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 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
  • Fans want to go inside, so just telling viewers the terms along with a one-line explanation goes a long way.
    — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The documents provide explanations of the company’s advertising and privacy practices, as well as members’ rights and controls.
    — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • The product launches on Wednesday were accompanied by a pledge to make public a beta version of Apple's latest operating system — iOS 27 — in October.
    — John Ruwitch, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
  • This spring, the act was included in the House’s version of the Farm Bill, the legislative package that covers much of US agricultural policy.
    — Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • Both Mac security firm Jamf and a researcher have ​​documented macOS variations of ClickFix that can bypass Gatekeeper protections.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • MagNav deploys an ultra-sensitive quantum sensor to measure local variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 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
  • Twain points to the dramatic differences between Parton’s original and Houston’s blockbuster rendition as an example of how a song can change dramatically while remaining fundamentally itself.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The Seahawks unveiled the second Super Bowl banner in team history before McCready’s strumming, which drew shades of another Seattle legend, Jimi Hendrix, and his rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock in 1969.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 10 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
  • The word ‘gordo’ in Spanish means fat, which brought Barca fans to attempt a funny translation of the England international’s surname from Gordon to Gros.
    — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Karrington now operates within Upscale, working directly with the company’s development team on the translation of his novels into episodic vertical form.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 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

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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 12 Sep. 2026.

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