EXPLAIN Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'explain' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explain are elucidate , explicate , expound , and interpret . While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known. // explain the rules

Q: In what contexts can 'elucidate' take the place of 'explain'?

While in some cases nearly identical to explain , elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit. // elucidate an obscure passage

Q: When is it sensible to use 'explicate' instead of 'explain'?

The words explicate and explain can be used in similar contexts, but explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis. // explicate a poem

Q: When is 'expound' a more appropriate choice than 'explain'?

Although the words expound and explain have much in common, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation. // expounding a scientific theory

Q: How are the words 'interpret' and 'explain' related?

Interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something. // interpreting a work of art

explain

verb

ik-ˈsplān

Definition of explain next

as in to clarify

to make plain or understandable a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to justify

to give the reason for or cause of can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?

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How does the verb explain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explain are elucidate, explicate, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

In what contexts can elucidate take the place of explain?

While in some cases nearly identical to explain, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When is it sensible to use explicate instead of explain?

The words explicate and explain can be used in similar contexts, but explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When is expound a more appropriate choice than explain?

Although the words expound and explain have much in common, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related?

Interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

Examples of explain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As Storey, who races for Britain, explained to BBC Sports, women cyclists generally expect to race at least 22 kilometers for a championship event, which was the case in the most recent Paralympic Games prior to Paris. —

Jenny McCoy, SELF, 4 Sep. 2024 In a behind-the-scenes video shared on her social media, Perry seemingly responded to the criticism while explaining the video. —

Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2024 Maltin explains that this kind of error is a function of where the side cameras are placed, in the vehicle’s B pillars, the part of the frame that separates the front and rear windows. —

Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2024 This whole history explains why Amazon began, in 1995, as an online bookstore. —

Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for explain

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'explain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 7 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of explain

verb

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