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

Relevance
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 Miami did not provide a public depth chart for its season opener against Stanford, leaving multiple position battles up for interpretation heading into kickoff. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 Some of this criticism can be chalked up to differing interpretations of the science, and of how best to treat stubborn afflictions such as anxiety and depression when all of the remedies have potential downsides. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 If the data or definitions are subject to political interpretation, that trust and the nation’s ability to respond effectively are quickly lost. — Demetre Daskalakis, STAT, 4 Sep. 2026 The track is streaming now as part of a Digital Deluxe Edition, with additional artist interpretations of Robbers & Cowards songs planned for 2027. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 Sep. 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
  • His best explanations for this are pressure from shareholders to prioritize immediate returns over long-term investments, and years of obsession with digital that came at the expense of physical retail.
    — Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The recreation is populated with people, animals, sound effects, and audio explanations.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Dorsey uses solid gold (as well as sterling silver), meaning its pieces are not classified as demi-fine, but a Dorsey diamond tennis necklace will set you back up to $20,000, rather than upwards of $30,000 to $40,000 for a natural diamond version.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In real life, Murray Hill sometimes serves as an also-ran alongside its chic cousin, a Walmart Great Value version of the Village, but in this TV version, the opposite somehow came to be.
    — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • Minute variations in the hand engraving, together with individual numbering, mean no two examples are exactly identical.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Such color variations are thought to be associated with camouflage, protection against parasites and ultraviolet radiation, and the effects of pleiotropic genes (genes that influence more than one, usually unrelated, physical trait or phenotype).
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of variation
Noun
  • The 300,000-square-foot Lucas Museum of Narrative Art contains 100,000 square feet of gallery space with 35 galleries organized according to theme, including adventure, motherhood, community, children’s illustrations, manga and comics.
    — Brittany Levine Beckman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, Hopkins advised her small business owners without the budgets for professional photographers or designers to instead opt for smaller scale illustrations or even to take their own photos on smartphones, if need be.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • Cassandra Wilson, the Grammy-winning vocalist known for her deep roots in classic jazz and wide-ranging renditions from blues, folk and country, has died.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In addition to Wilson’s originals, the album found her singing renditions of songs by Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, and Ann Peebles.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of rendition
Noun
  • Adding to this bold take is the return of QB Daniel Jones, who will be nine months removed from right Achilles surgery when the season begins.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • While Michiganders may be more concerned about paying their utility and grocery bills, the take garnered national attention and caught the eye of people across the country who were willing to donate to el Sayed’s campaign.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • But there has been until now very little progress unlocking the translation.
    — Jim Greer, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Wilson is starting over from the top with a completely new translation.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of translation
Noun
  • The focus on metrics also highlights the challenges of measuring the performance of large language models using standardized benchmark tests and concerns that the specs are prone to manipulation and gamesmanship.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers also need to determine whether damage can recover without compromising superconducting performance.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of performance

Browse Nearby Words

interpret
interpretation
interpretations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All