explain

verb

ex·plain ik-ˈsplān

explained; explaining; explains

Synonyms of explain next

transitive verb

: to make known

explain the secret of your success

: to make plain or understandable

footnotes that explain the terms

: to give the reason for or cause of

unable to explain his strange conduct

: to show the logical development or relationships of

explained the new theory

intransitive verb

: to make something plain or understandable

a report that suggests rather than explains

explainable

ik-ˈsplā-nə-bəl

adjective

Phrases

explain oneself

: to clarify one's statements or the reasons for one's conduct

Choose the Right Synonym for explain

explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret 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

expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

Examples of explain in a Sentence

I need a lawyer to explain this contract to me. The professor explained the poem to the class. She explained how the machine worked. I explained to them that I would be available by phone. Scientists could not explain the strange lights in the sky. I don't know how to explain the dog's strange behavior. We asked him to explain his reasons to us. Can you explain why no one was informed earlier? That explains why we were so far behind schedule. Give me a chance to explain.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Bird noise gives way to a low drone, which then multiplies, creating a harmonic buzz—a chorus of leaf blowers, Bachman explains, similar to the models used to clear fire lines and recorded years earlier at a landscaping job. —

Brendan Fitzgerald, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2024 Williams explained the goal on the final play, a fourth-and-10 prayer that went unanswered, one that fell into the arms of Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, ending Williams’ streak of passes without a pick at 353, the fourth longest in NFL history. —

Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 Noting the government appeal and the December 23 ruling, the court explained that the appeal has been expedited to the next available oral argument panel. —

Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 Last month, Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, explained his priority is to arrest and remove criminals who pose the greatest danger to Americans, The Center Square reported. —

Bethany Blankley | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for explain