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 of expound in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Now fashion turns the great machine of creative enterprise and global celebrity—embraced, evaluated, and expounded by a billion Instagram channels, as mainstream as the entertainment industry and by most measures more lucrative. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2024 With profound expertise and notable accomplishments in the hospitality industry, Cinque shared profound insights concerning the future trajectory of the hotel industry and expounded upon the paradigm of scientific hotel management. Gorgeous Beauty, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2024 Domestically, Xi has guarded his ideological flank well in recent months by expounding a narrative in which the CCP faces proliferating risks of growing intensity. Christopher K. Johnson, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2019 The filmmakers’ decision to let this smart, obsessive group of people expound on their favorite topic at length was the right one — the effect is like spending a rainy afternoon in a comfy chair in front of a fire, eavesdropping on some quality conversations. Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for expound 

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

Thesaurus Entries Near expound

Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 29 Sep. 2024.

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