EXPLICATE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of explicate are elucidate , explain , expound , and interpret . While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis. // explicate a poem

Q: When might 'elucidate' be a better fit than 'explicate'?

The words elucidate and explicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'explain' instead of 'explicate'?

Although the words explain and explicate have much in common, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known. // explain the rules

Q: Where would 'expound' be a reasonable alternative to 'explicate'?

In some situations, the words expound and explicate are roughly equivalent. However, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation. // expounding a scientific theory

Q: How are the words 'interpret' and 'explain' related as synonyms of 'explicate'?

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

explicate

verb

ˈek-splə-ˌkāt

Definition of explicate next

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable the physicist did his best to explicate the wave theory of light for the audience of laymen

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How does the verb explicate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explicate are elucidate, explain, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might elucidate be a better fit than explicate?

The words elucidate and explicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 explain instead of explicate?

Although the words explain and explicate have much in common, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

Where would expound be a reasonable alternative to explicate?

In some situations, the words expound and explicate are roughly equivalent. However, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

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

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

interpreting a work of art

Examples 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 explicate As a result, its sequel, Inside Out 2, continues to explicate a little girl’s psyche as if our sense of morality and self-esteem had not been altered by politics, media, or science during the past ten years. —

Armond White, National Review, 14 June 2024 It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s past mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. —

Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 31 May 2024 It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. —

Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024 The list, compiled from a survey of experts in the worlds of publishing and entertainment and written by regular contributors to The Times’ film and books coverage, explicates the cocktail’s allure and why many have ordered it again and again, despite its tart aftertaste. —

Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for explicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicate

Verb

But money alone doesn’t explain the absence of conscience.

— Todd L. Pittinsky, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
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