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
The most extreme interpretations of this theory could allow the president to fire any federal employee at will, ignore civil-service protections, and eliminate the independence of the Federal Reserve.
—
Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
In that sense, perfume bottles became visual interpretations of emotion.
—Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
The film ends with their relationship status open to interpretation, having previously broken up in the movie.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
Smoky, dusky interpretations of color are on the rise.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
In that sense, perfume bottles became visual interpretations of emotion.
—Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
The film ends with their relationship status open to interpretation, having previously broken up in the movie.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
Smoky, dusky interpretations of color are on the rise.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpretation
Noun
-
The aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis offered a partial explanation.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
Then, about a week after the jury was announced, its members collectively quit, without an explanation.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
The Senate version of the bill already passed that chamber.—
Dené K. Dryden,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2026
-
Then there’s the companion album Norteña, out on May 14, which plays like an audio version of her exercise in reflection and nostalgia.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Stacking is the key to McCarthy's lunar imagery, enabling him to turn the subtle variations of color in an image of the moon into the rich browns and blues seen in his edits.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
9 May 2026
-
My recipe is a variation on the original given to me by dear friend, the late, great Irene Jakubowski, who lived much of her life in Valparaiso before retiring to Monticello and her death in 2008.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The Saudi Aramco logo is displayed on a mobile phone screen in this photo illustration, as prices fluctuate amid escalating conflict involving Iran and concerns over global supply disruptions in Brussels, Belgium, on March 2, 2026.—
Azhar Sukri,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
-
The restaurant is also impeccably clean, with pastel colors and playful illustrations and Chinese phrases on the walls.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Secure a repeat invitation by showing up to any potluck or cookout with this slow-cooker rendition of Buffalo Chicken Dip.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
1 May 2026
-
Abercrombie & Fitch and Sperry have joined forces to create a fresh rendition of the classic boat shoe.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The series, directed by Philip Barantini in four unbroken continuous takes, follows Jamie Miller (Cooper), a 13-year-old arrested for the murder of a classmate, and the family and institutions left scrambling in the aftermath.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 May 2026
-
The entire scene was unscripted and done in one take, showing a real-life conversation unfold among Moss-Bachrach, Bernthal and Evans over a chili cheese dog, a pizza puff and a lemonade.—
Anna Ortiz,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
In the past, officers relied on translation apps, which sometimes slowed down conversations during critical moments.—
Madeleine Wright,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
-
But even as their hours were falling, the company barred them from working for other translation services in its code of conduct.—
Huo Jingnan,
NPR,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Kehmeier and Friends of the Skyway co-founder Bill Hanley hope to assemble a busking team to host skyway-level performances, provided City Hall works with them on permitting.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2026
-
Pazanti was generally pleased with several aspects of his team’s performance.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
