Synonyms of elucidate

elucidate

verb

i-ˈlü-sə-ˌdāt 

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable

colored charts that really help to elucidate the points made in the text

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explain
• clarify
• illustrate
• demonstrate
• illuminate
• simplify
• interpret
• explicate
• expound
• construe
• clear (up)
• analyze
• demystify
• spell out
• get across
• resolve
• define
• decipher
• solve
• specify
• unriddle
• unravel
• decode
• disentangle
• untangle
• undo
• annotate
• unscramble
• gloss
• break down
• commentate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• confuse
• confound
• cloud
• obfuscate
• befog

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elucidate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elucidate are explain, explicate, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

In what contexts can explain take the place of elucidate?

While the synonyms explain and elucidate are close in meaning, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When might explicate be a better fit than elucidate?

The meanings of explicate and elucidate largely overlap; however, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When would expound be a good substitute for elucidate?

The words expound and elucidate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related as synonyms of elucidate?

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

interpreting a work of art

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of elucidate

The companies did not immediately elucidate the terms for the Flexible Cash Advance program, but did note that applying for the program could take just three minutes and that sellers may be eligible to receive same-day approval for the funds. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 27 Sep. 2024

And this personal urgency may elucidate Coates’s staggering omission. —Daniel Bergner, The Atlantic, 24 Sep. 2024

Trump’s political presence has elucidated mainstream hip-hop’s decay into a cesspool of violent, ignorant, bigoted patriarchy. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2024

The first six presidents both elucidated that vision and gave substance to the provision for new republican structures outlined in the [United States] Constitution. —Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Aug. 2024

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