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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

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 explain For some teams, a dark-horse mind-set might be better for strategic reasons: underdogs tend to focus on the positive outcome (winning), while top dogs tend to avoid negative outcomes (not losing), which could explain why underdogs sometimes play looser and with an eye to higher risks and rewards. —

Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2025 But money alone doesn’t explain the absence of conscience. —

Todd L. Pittinsky, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025 These and other extracts are manufactured into a dietary supplement that people take in pill, powder, tincture or liquid form, explains Amy Goodson, a nutritionist and registered dietitian at The Sports Nutrition Playbook. —

Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025 In documents filed with federal regulators, the affiliated Korean automakers explained that a faulty transistor in the charging control unit could fail, preventing the 12-volt battery from charging. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for explain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain

Verb

Zelenskyy did not clarify whether humanitarian aid had been paused.

— SAMYA KULLAB, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
Justice Gorsuch, concurring with the decision to grant the stay, proposed that the Supreme Court should clarify whether district courts have the authority to issue universal injunctive relief.

— Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025