Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expound contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expound are elucidate, explain, explicate, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

When would elucidate be a good substitute for expound?

The words elucidate and expound 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

Where would explain be a reasonable alternative to expound?

While in some cases nearly identical to expound, 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 expound?

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

explicate a poem

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

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 expound Elsewhere in the podcast, Uygur expounds the future of news media and TYT’s role in it, emphasizing the importance of dynamic ad insertion on YouTube. Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024 The owners, executives and big names from the world of athletics expounded on several issues and trends related to money and sports—from the growing opportunities in women’s sports and youth sports to the introduction of private equity and sovereign wealth funds. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024 That's an easy concept to grasp, and Paul expounded on the idea. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 Tanton kindles a small fire of twigs inside a metal pitcher, while expounding for the camera about ecology and overpopulation. Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expound 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.
    Zachary Loeb / Made by History, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Moustafa expressed concern over the lack of security at the grave sites, emphasizing the need to preserve them to safeguard critical evidence for future investigations.
    Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Bird noise gives way to a low drone, which then multiplies, creating a harmonic buzz—a chorus of leaf blowers, Bachman explains, similar to the models used to clear fire lines and recorded years earlier at a landscaping job.
    Brendan Fitzgerald, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Williams explained the goal on the final play, a fourth-and-10 prayer that went unanswered, one that fell into the arms of Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, ending Williams’ streak of passes without a pick at 353, the fourth longest in NFL history.
    Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The term emerged as employees began to voice dissatisfaction with perks that seemed performative or misaligned with their actual needs.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Activists and politicians took aim at DEI in 2024, with many taking to social media to voice their opposition to related initiatives.
    Kristina Watrobski, Baltimore Sun, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The 33-year-old also clarified his relationship with Sayed, denying any romantic involvement in a series of candid posts.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 26 Dec. 2024
  • This misunderstanding can result in inaccurate measurements if the recipe doesn't clarify further with weights or detailed instructions.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • While there are treatments for endometriosis, such as medication and surgery, that can help manage symptoms, certain self-care techniques can give some extra relief.2 The self-care practices below may not cure endometriosis but can make living with this painful condition more bearable.
    Sarah Bence, Health, 28 Dec. 2024
  • Russia's use of the vessels has raised environmental concerns about accidents given their age and uncertain insurance coverage.
    LORNE COOK THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 28 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The potential financial losses revealed in this lawsuit are substantial, illustrated by the tenuous position of key players like Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, along with the sponsorship of Monster Energy.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
  • The timing and rapid pace of these announcements—particularly in light of Google's competing releases—illustrates the intensifying competition in AI development.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Through their struggles and triumphs, women artists prove that the most profound transformations emerge from confronting our darkest fears, demonstrating that the blackest milk nourishes the most essential growth.
    Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Transforming Sales Strategies with Predictive Analytics Sales is another domain where AI has demonstrated transformative potential.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near expound

Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expound

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