explicate

verb

ˈek-splə-ˌkāt How to pronounce explicate (audio)
Definition of explicatenext
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable the physicist did his best to explicate the wave theory of light for the audience of laymen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb explicate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explicate are elucidate, explain, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might elucidate be a better fit than explicate?

The words elucidate and explicate 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

When is it sensible to use explain instead of explicate?

Although the words explain and explicate have much in common, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

Where would expound be a reasonable alternative to explicate?

In some situations, the words expound and explicate are roughly equivalent. However, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related as synonyms of explicate?

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 explicate As a result, its sequel, Inside Out 2, continues to explicate a little girl’s psyche as if our sense of morality and self-esteem had not been altered by politics, media, or science during the past ten years. — Armond White, National Review, 14 June 2024 It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s past mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. — Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 31 May 2024 It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024 The list, compiled from a survey of experts in the worlds of publishing and entertainment and written by regular contributors to The Times’ film and books coverage, explicates the cocktail’s allure and why many have ordered it again and again, despite its tart aftertaste. — Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for explicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicate
  1. explain
  2. clarify
  3. illustrate
  4. demonstrate
Verb
  • 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, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The United States Department of Justice revealed the arrest on May 13, 2020, explaining that Fayne, who also goes by the name Arkansas Mo, had been arrested on federal bank fraud charges arising from a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
    — Diane J. Cho, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of explain
Verb
  • The Statesman sent a city spokesperson several questions to try to clarify the timeline.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 Mar. 2025
  • This article has been updated to clarify that the U.S. Department of Education erroneously listed The University of Tulsa instead of the University of Oklahoma, Tulsa School of Medicine.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • The tragic case of Kitty Genovese in 1964 famously illustrated this concept, though the case details have been subject to later scrutiny and revision.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • Mayfield demonstrated an early precocity for music without any formal training.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Even those who successfully raise initial capital face formidable hurdles in securing follow-on funding, often under pressure to demonstrate rapid growth and immediate profitability—expectations fundamentally misaligned with the long-term nature of early-stage venture building.
    — Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of demonstrate

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Cite this Entry

“Explicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicate. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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