Synonyms of interpretation

interpretation

noun

in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 

1

as in explanation

a statement that makes something clear

that's one possible interpretation of that cryptic remark

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explanation
• illustration
• translation
• analysis
• definition
• construction
• exegesis
• reasoning
• clarification
• explication
• elucidation
• exposition
• illumination
• demonstration
• road map
• comment
• commentary
• meaning
• restatement
• paraphrase
• justification
• annotation
• decoding
• rationale
• gloss
• deciphering
• enactment
• enlightenment
• rationalization
• edification
• epexegesis
• warning
• caveat
• disentanglement
• unscrambling
• caution

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

• version
• rendition
• performance
• reading
• adaptation
• account
• variation
• reworking

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

• variation
• version
• take
• translation
• riff
• adaptation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of interpretation

Jillian Gilchrest, the state representative from West Hartford whose campaign has struggled, posted on social media her interpretation the money raised by two of her opponents and made a rickety claim for the most virtuous competitor. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026

Where Americans once invoked this interpretation of Washington to bring an end to slavery, conservatives are now reviving it in a way that denies the institution really mattered at all. — John Garrison Marks, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026

The answer is subjective, tarot and poetry are left to interpretation. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

But Pitre’s interpretation of the towering British producer’s aesthetic never feels like blind worship. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026