Definition of interpretationnext
1
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 The deeper focus on internal struggles, thanks to the limited scope of the larger story, helps the overall package and the lead actors' interpretations of their complicated characters. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026 With that attention came a flood of interpretations, some playful and others far more dramatic. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026 The test was so broad and convoluted that one mistake in its interpretation could put an independent contractor and the contracting business in violation. Jennifer Oliver Oconnell, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026 However, the absence of distinct stratigraphy and the relatively thin sedimentary layer prompted questions about this interpretation. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpretation
Noun
  • That may be a tribute to NDiaye’s success in conjuring a world in which knowledge is acquired not through explanation but through a kind of silent apprenticeship.
    Kristen Roupenian, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • That was Chef Tim Love’s explanation for opening his new Greek restaurant, Meraki.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Budapest has also played host to global far-right leaders and MAGA influencers at the international version of the Conservative Political Action Conference for the past four years.
    Emmet Lyons, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The mandolin quartet was developed, mixing treble and bass versions of the instrument, and the technique of the tremolo was taken to new heights of sophistication.
    Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • From subtle variations to vibrant color combinations, there's a chrome pink nail design for every aesthetic.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a pilot and weapons system officer.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Culin also consulted with other scholars and collectors to produce his final report 14 years later, which includes over 1,100 illustrations and descriptions of 239 sets of dice from 130 different tribes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026
  • To tell the pharaoh's story in depth, NPR art director Jackie Lay lays out Hatshepsut's history through illustrations.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Appearing alongside a live band and several backup singers, the Nigerian singer offered an evocative rendition of the emotional ballad, off her most recent EP, Love Is a Kingdom.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2026
  • This Mass Ave restaurant offers a weekend brunch with high-end dishes like multi-topping pancake or bagel boards ($22), three-egg omelets ($14 to $15) and salads ($12 to $15), plus upscale renditions of other familiar breakfast staples.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Jokic dropped his right shoulder into Wembanyama, spun away from a stunting second defender on his left pivot foot, then planted his right at the elbow for take-off.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The district distributed take-home materials, set up student supervision sites and partnered with local agencies to provide meals and services.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Saudi Arabia expanded its Saudization program — requiring companies to hire only Saudis for certain roles or face penalties — to cover 69 additional job types, including data entry, secretarial work, and translation.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • There was a boom of translation from Japanese of short stories in that decade, with collections like Ivan Morris’ Modern Japanese Stories pointing readers to a new postwar canon of Japanese writing, from Kawabata to Mishima.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • After Queta turned in another standout performance in Sunday’s 115-101 win over the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden, Brown stumped for the breakout big man, saying, unprompted, that Queta deserves award consideration.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Boone did not believe the three-hour, 35-minute rain delay affected his team’s performance.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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