EXPLAIN Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

explain

verb

ik-ˈsplān

Definition of explain next

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

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

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Recent Examples of explain That, explains Brady, is because the Great Lakes aren’t freezing, leading to an increase in lake effect storms. —

Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025 Mark explained that some fabrics are better for business suits, others for leisure suits. —

Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 Investigating the Link Between Cholesterol and Dementia Previous research has found a connection between cholesterol levels and cognitive health, Ryan explained. —

Brian Mastroianni, Health, 7 Feb. 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 See all Example Sentences for explain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain

Verb

But to clarify, this isn't your regular sweaty gym bun, the kind thrown up without a care.

— Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2025
Salles doesn’t clarify his viewpoint until the end, when Eunice ages into senility.

— Armond White, National Review, 7 Feb. 2025