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 Some clamored that Wilson wasn’t allowing Nolan his own interpretation of the text. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026 But in comments to The Sacramento Bee, spokespeople for the two companies both said that regardless of how the new ESA interpretation runs out, their timber operations will not destroy marbled murrelet habitat. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 The current charge against Comey, in short, relies on a tendentious interpretation of an innocuous term combined with a disregard for the First Amendment in order to gin up charges against a man Trump has been targeting openly for nearly a decade. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 O'Dea did not dispute CNBC's interpretation or provide another explanation for the interest in Executive Branch. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 30 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
  • Owner Aliana Gurris said the state canceled the business' contract to serve Medicaid clients with no explanation.
    — Larry Seward, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • The statement was later deleted from the website with no immediate explanation.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Tony's has a full bar and turns out quality versions of some of the greatest hits.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Under the current version of the measure, both individuals and businesses would be able to sue companies.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • The variations of embellished mini dresses, column gowns and pant suits on the runways this season served as proof.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Villa usually deploy a variation of a 4-2-3-1 shape, with two No 10s and a right winger.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of variation
Noun
  • In this photo illustration, the logo of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is displayed on a smartphone in front of abstract background on computer screen.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There is no better illustration of speechlessness being deployed as a weapon, forcing the loquacious, as if at gunpoint, to fill the void with words.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • The rendition arrived in December 2015, half a century after the original, and quickly became the outfit’s biggest commercial success.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Now, there are various renditions of the utility sandals, including platform jelly styles and options with a stylish block heel.
    — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026
Definition of rendition
Noun
  • This is a more bullish take than the German bank's previous forecast on June 23, written when inflation fears were rife.
    — Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Harrelson wrote, directed and starred in Lost in London, the first feature film shot in a single continuous take and broadcast live to theaters.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • And in the nine days following wide release, daily global sales averaged around 20 times more than the rate before the premiere, showing sustained demand for Wilson’s translation.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • Wilson's translation, which took six years to complete, has been hailed for its vibrant language and faithfulness to the original Greek text.
    — Dave Davies, NPR, 29 July 2026
Definition of translation
Noun
  • Hillmon added 18 points and recorded her 11th double-digit scoring performance of the season.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Others arrived for the aerial performances, balloon rides or fireworks.
    — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of interpretation for Spanish Speakers

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