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

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 explain While everyone is still reeling at the news that Carrie Underwood will be singing at Trump’s inauguration on January 20, the American Idol winner herself has released a statement explaining her decision. —

Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2025 Giving them a break while cutting benefits to lower-income Americans, also under discussion, could be politically difficult to explain. —

Kate Murphy, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025 Honoring your own culture An effective way to navigate these conversations is by explaining to your child that their friend's hairstyle is a way of honoring their culture—and that your child can celebrate their own culture, too. —

Leslie D. Rose, Parents, 14 Jan. 2025 This analysis of an innovative AI breakthrough is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here). —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for explain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain

Verb

In May 2018, Starbucks clarified that non-paying customers were also welcome to use its facilities.

Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
Bob clarified that all the traitors agreed a housewife should go and that Dorinda would be the first.

Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 14 Jan. 2025