interpretation

noun

in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce interpretation (audio)
Definition of interpretationnext
1
as in explanation
a statement that makes something clear that's one possible interpretation of that cryptic remark

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in version
a presentation of an artistic work (as a piece of music) from a particular point of view a sensitive interpretation of a piece that is a touchstone for violinists

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in variation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play) a very Freudian interpretation of The Nutcracker

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of interpretation Nigeria rejected the International Monetary Fund’s finding that the country has engaged in extra-budgetary public spending that distorts its deficit levels, blaming poor interpretation of its financial reporting method for the misunderstanding. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 10 July 2026 While Prada’s Milan collection offered a contemporary interpretation of skinny jeans the week prior, Acne stayed closer to the style’s 2000s energy with color (black, red and green) and lower rises. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 July 2026 The collection also will include baseballs, bats and a limited run of Topps trading cards that promise to feature KAWS’ interpretation of Dodgers and Yankees iconography. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Like her fictional interpretation, the real Queen Charlotte had 15 children, 13 of whom survived to adulthood. — Eva Flowe july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpretation
  1. explanation
  2. version
  3. variation
  4. illustration
  5. rendition
  6. take
  7. translation
  8. performance
Noun
  • Guthrie has now missed two days of hosting the show in a row without any explanation, which has people wondering if something has happened in the investigation.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
  • Here, perhaps, is a truer explanation for the relentless invention and questing that just happens to result in their ecstatic calibrations of noise.
    — Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • In 2021, the company had just the TVS Apache bike in its premium portfolio with four different versions, starting at $1,200.
    — Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • With a new live-action version starring Catherine Lagaʻaia, here's what parents should know.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • The 35-page document includes variations of branding and logo options, including some featuring a golden eagle.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 July 2026
  • José San Miguel, a movement instructor and studio manager at FlowCorps Durham, described reformer workouts as a spectrum with Pilates and Lagree as distinct points and many variations in between.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of variation
Noun
  • In a flourish of dramatic irony usually reserved for Greek tragedies and Titanic retellings, the guide opens with an illustration in the style of a CPN, proudly proclaiming the genre’s longevity.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • Paint to paper, needle to thread—like couture, fashion illustration is a discipline of the hand.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 13 July 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • Twelve years later, Tyler recorded her own rendition and the result would also be a masterpiece.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Here’s what makes our rendition so good, plus what our readers are saying about this addition to their recipe boxes.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Definition of rendition
Noun
  • Cinema United’s take is especially salient given that, in their lawsuit, the state regulators argued that the theatrical market, in particular, would be harmed by a reduction in owners of wide-release, high-grossing films.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026
  • Only Elliot Anderson has completed more tackles, only Anthony Gordon has completed more take-ons, and only Harry Kane had scored more goals — until Bellingham joined him on six with his double against Norway.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • Another condemned the preference shown for evangelical Christian translations of the Bible over a diversity of translations, inclusive of many denominations.
    — Rachel Royster. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • The autonomous coding tool can send sensitive information to a remote server without a user’s consent, the statement said in Chinese, according to a CNBC translation.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Definition of translation
Noun
  • The Sparks are half a game outside the final playoff spot, not bad given how poor some of their performances have been.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Their performance in the third week is a vast improvement from the initial June 11 to June 20 period when hotel occupancy declined on every one of 10 nights when compared to the same period in 2025.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
Definition of performance

Browse Nearby Words

interpret
interpretation
interpretations
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Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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