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 Yost also expounded on how Season 3 of the Apple TV+ series — which is already renewed for a fourth/final season — will differ from Shift. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 Jan. 2025 Rivals for the crown debate the player in front of a crowd and expound on their policies, which almost always center on a single, extreme idea, such as making booze free for everyone. Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2024 Dynamic costume design serves a high calling, it is purported as a means to further expound upon the universes showrunners, producers, and networks are aiming to present. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 22 Dec. 2024 Nearly a dozen parents responded, ready to expound on the neighborhood’s merits. Clio Chang, Curbed, 5 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • At its conclusion, the foreign ministers issued a joint statement expressing their vision on several important matters, including Ukraine, the Middle East, Asia and the Indo-Pacific, Haiti, and Venezuela, among others.
    Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The Baltimore Sun would do well to print letters expressing ideas and opinions with a civil tone.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Arab nations have voiced strong opposition, advocating instead for a multibillion-dollar reconstruction plan to allow Palestinians to remain in Gaza.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Boseman was allegedly let go after voicing his concerns that Reggie’s character relied too much on racial stereotypes.
    Sara Belcher, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • The Statesman sent a city spokesperson several questions to try to clarify the timeline.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Even the historically bad White Sox can't justify giving Gallo an opportunity to continue hitting.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Almost the exact same situation occurred seconds into the second half to give Minnesota a 3-0 lead.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Overall Vital Considerations Of course, the example shown is a relatively simple one and was merely undertaken to quickly illustrate how this works.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Such collections illustrate the unique and tough-to-replicate advantages of manufacturing in the City of Angels.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • It will also be demonstrated at stands including those of ATSC and the Ultra HD Forum.
    Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 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

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expound

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