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Some common synonyms of explain<\/em> are elucidate<\/em><\/a>, explicate<\/em><\/a>, expound<\/em><\/a>, and interpret<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to make something clear or understandable,\" explain<\/em> implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.<\/p>

\/\/ explain<\/em> the rules<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'elucidate' take the place of 'explain'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to explain<\/em>, elucidate<\/em><\/a> stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.<\/p>

\/\/ elucidate<\/em> an obscure passage<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'explicate' instead of 'explain'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words explicate<\/em><\/a> and explain<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but explicate<\/em> adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.<\/p>

\/\/ explicate<\/em> a poem<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'expound' a more appropriate choice than 'explain'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words expound<\/em><\/a> and explain<\/em> have much in common, expound<\/em> implies a careful often elaborate explanation.<\/p>

\/\/ expounding<\/em> a scientific theory<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'interpret' and 'explain' related?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Interpret<\/em><\/a> adds to explain<\/em> the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.<\/p>

\/\/ interpreting<\/em> a work of art<\/p>" } } ] }

explain

verb

ik-ˈsplān How to pronounce explain (audio)
Definition of explainnext
1
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
2
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 The veteran forward had just spent the past five minutes explaining the importance of defense, concurring with MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama on a point the young star had made in San Antonio a few days prior. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026 Why a positive attitude affects aging isn’t explained in the latest study. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026 Neubauer also explained that, based on his firm’s experience, roughly 65% to 70% of owners maintain HO6 insurance. —Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026 Tolbert explained why the back-and-forth occurred in his first interview with media members who cover the Dolphins last week. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
  1. clarify
  2. justify
  3. illustrate
  4. rationalize
  5. demonstrate
  6. simplify
  7. interpret
Verb
  • Your 7th House of Devotion lights up as the emotional Moon enters Aries, bringing chances to clarify expectations with someone important in your life.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Authorities later clarified the noise came from individuals smashing water bottles on the beach.
    — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • But manufacturers use unnecessary complication to justify charging you $100,000 for $20,000 worth of car--or $350,000 for $50,000 worth of tractor.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Blending absurdist humor with social critique, the series explores how civility can be weaponized to justify cruelty.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of justify
Verb
  • The Iran crisis illustrates all four dynamics at once.
    — Derek Chollet, semafor.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The existence of the federal subpoena and revelations about a series of FBI interviews illustrate that the investigation could be far along, said McInerney, who is not involved with the probe and spoke with The Star as a legal expert.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • While rationalizing deception is easy to do, developing the virtue of truthfulness is not.
    — Katherine Moses, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
  • But as another voter rationalizes, the sheer size of the ballot will do more harm than good in the long run.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of rationalize
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the ability of bots to influence the discourse on Reddit has already been demonstrated.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The killing in the woods of Knoxville demonstrated a brutality and callousness rarely seen in a woman, let alone one so young.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • But the paths of strings converge and split in finite, enumerable ways, simplifying calculations.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
  • At first glance, consumer-facing streamers have little incentive to simplify out-of-home access.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of simplify
Verb
  • These findings are interpreted alongside clinical observations and parental reports.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Treatment refusal rests on the inherent right of self-determination and does not depend on how the Constitution is interpreted.
    — Robert S. Olick, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of interpret

Phrases Containing explain

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expiry
explain
explainable
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Cite this Entry

“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of explain for Spanish Speakers

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