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

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 expound The award, titled after a line in Virginia Woolf’s feminist essay A Room of One’s Own (1929), which expounds on the financial independence underpinning artistic accomplishment, has grown tremendously since its founding. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 20 Nov. 2024 The reluctance to expound on the topic told the story almost as much as the lack of production. Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024 Eggers’s Nosferatu does pay homage to versions past: Many initial glimpses of Orlok are of his shadow, a technique that expounds upon German Expressionism. Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024 As the teen expounds on the monstrous acts her own father committed against her, the elderly woman suggests that Rita is not blameless in the situation. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expound 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • Some health professionals have expressed concerns about excessive fluoride intake and potential toxicity.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Now, Hello! has reported that the episodes were postponed after the duchess expressed her desire to concentrate on the needs of those affected by the wildfires in her home state of California.
    Isaac Bickerstaff, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But money alone doesn’t explain the absence of conscience.
    Todd L. Pittinsky, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Now, in a small hospital where soft sobs echoed off the sterile linoleum floors, Aaron Easton, the boy Sara married who grew up to be Marysville’s police chief, explained what happened: Sara had shot herself in the head.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But Democrats, many who voiced strong opposition to Hegseth, had little power to stop his nomination, and instead have resorted to dragging out the process.
    Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The former president twice missed deadlines to do so, first in December 2023 and then again in March 2024, after law enforcement and drug policy experts voiced concerns over the new regulation.
    Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Jan. 2025
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
Verb
  • Chris Parnell, who appeared as the lead vocalist of Blue Öyster Cult in the original sketch, gives a more realistic idea.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 27 Jan. 2025
  • After a miserable year for the run defense, Morgan is hoping to give the trenches a facelift in free agency and the draft.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • More than 30 years after illustrating Norton Juster's cult kids' book, Feiffer returned to the genre as an author, with books like 1993's The Man in the Ceiling (eventually adapted into a musical with Tony Award-winning producer Jeffrey Seller) and his 2010 re-teaming with Juster, The Odious Ogre.
    Etelka Lehoczky, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The pattern illustrated the unintended effects of Google’s policy changes and how obscure changes made to its advertising rules can have outsize repercussions on groups dependent on the world’s biggest search engine.
    Nico Grant, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Despite these challenges, the Texans' strong playoff run—despite falling short in the divisional round to Kansas City—demonstrated that the team is close to competing at a higher level.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
  • His involvement with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement further demonstrates his commitment to advancing efficiency and innovation in the industry.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near expound

Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expound

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