Synonyms of elucidate

elucidate

verb

i-ˈlü-sə-ˌdāt 

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable

colored charts that really help to elucidate the points made in the text

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explain
• clarify
• illustrate
• demonstrate
• illuminate
• simplify
• interpret
• explicate
• expound
• construe
• clear (up)
• analyze
• demystify
• spell out
• get across
• resolve
• define
• decipher
• solve
• specify
• unriddle
• unravel
• decode
• disentangle
• untangle
• undo
• annotate
• unscramble
• gloss
• break down
• commentate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• confuse
• confound
• cloud
• obfuscate
• befog

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elucidate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elucidate are explain, explicate, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

In what contexts can explain take the place of elucidate?

While the synonyms explain and elucidate are close in meaning, 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 elucidate?

The meanings of explicate and elucidate largely overlap; however, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When would expound be a good substitute for elucidate?

The words expound and elucidate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

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

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

interpreting a work of art

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of elucidate

Kirkwood elucidates the ways in which historically masculine spheres of activity—justice, science—have been elevated in significance over the constant, unseen and uncelebrated labor of women. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 June 2024

Along with collisions, astrophysicists have elucidated the idea of merging galaxies; this occurs when two galaxies interact with each other and meld together due to gravitational forces. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

This episode, from stem to stern, really elucidates the problem with idols in the new era. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024

Indeed, text is integral to Bader’s oeuvre, whether elucidating, in the artist’s own unique fashion, the proper constitution of his objects and assemblages, or simply existing as stand-alone artworks unto themselves. —Jeff Gibson, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024