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 In soccer, the line between a yellow and a red card can be subjective, depending on the referee working the game that day and his or her interpretation of the play. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026 Every central banker is weighing the balance of these risks, though with Big Tech on his doorstep, Warsh will need to be all the more discerning in both his interpretation of the outlook and the delivery of his analysis. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026 The fact that the ruling was not unanimously in favor of preserving the current interpretation of the Citizenship Clause was unsurprising but deeply disturbing to Proaño. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Rosewood Fuschl’s Sissi suite can easily be considered a highlight with a freestanding bathtub, a century-old wooden wardrobe, and fluttering fabric panels around the bed (the modern interpretation of a royal four-poster bed). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 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
  • Guthrie has now missed two days of hosting the show in a row without any explanation, which has people wondering if something has happened in the investigation.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
  • Here, perhaps, is a truer explanation for the relentless invention and questing that just happens to result in their ecstatic calibrations of noise.
    — Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • In 2021, the company had just the TVS Apache bike in its premium portfolio with four different versions, starting at $1,200.
    — Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • With a new live-action version starring Catherine Lagaʻaia, here's what parents should know.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • The 35-page document includes variations of branding and logo options, including some featuring a golden eagle.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 July 2026
  • José San Miguel, a movement instructor and studio manager at FlowCorps Durham, described reformer workouts as a spectrum with Pilates and Lagree as distinct points and many variations in between.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of variation
Noun
  • While the earliest complete Bible, the Codex Sinaiticus, lacks illustrations, by the fifth century illustrations began accompanying biblical texts, enhancing their visual and spiritual impact.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice.
    — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • Twelve years later, Tyler recorded her own rendition and the result would also be a masterpiece.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Here’s what makes our rendition so good, plus what our readers are saying about this addition to their recipe boxes.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Definition of rendition
Noun
  • There was some very cool work on display, but what is your broad take about the state of play in animation at the moment?
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 July 2026
  • But when thousands of people saw Kansas City’s Taylor Swift tribute artist dressed as a bride marrying a ringer for Travis Kelce, some did a double-take.
    — Lisa Gutierrez July 6, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • Another condemned the preference shown for evangelical Christian translations of the Bible over a diversity of translations, inclusive of many denominations.
    — Rachel Royster. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • The autonomous coding tool can send sensitive information to a remote server without a user’s consent, the statement said in Chinese, according to a CNBC translation.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Definition of translation
Noun
  • Some critics on social media counter that the gatherings risk turning spirituality into spectacle, performance and commodity all at once.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Rendon’s attitude and performance became so disappointing that the Angels effectively told him to stay away in 2026 and restructured the final year of his contract.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of performance

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Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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