1
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
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explain
They were approved in the fall so that students could enroll in the courses in time for the 2025-26 school year, Purcell explained at the March meeting.
—
Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
And as one Redditor explained, Quito is a great option.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
This gets at a much bigger issue: This production fails to justify or explain why this is a one-person show or what is gained by this choice.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Focus on explaining the problem your brand solves, and provide actionable solutions and clear calls to action.
—Saul Marquez, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
And as one Redditor explained, Quito is a great option.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
This gets at a much bigger issue: This production fails to justify or explain why this is a one-person show or what is gained by this choice.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Focus on explaining the problem your brand solves, and provide actionable solutions and clear calls to action.
—Saul Marquez, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
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However, Trump did not clarify whether this move would exempt Israel from the 17 percent reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on Wednesday.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
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This framework is best suited for companies needing to clarify their differentiation in a competitive space.—
Diana Khramina,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Reminds [me] also of the aggressors' narratives for justifying many other military interventions, occupations, and annexations in world history.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
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On Monday, seven of the Constitutional Court's eight judges overturned or dismissed Han's impeachment, arguing that accusations against him either did not constitute legal violations or were not severe enough to justify removing him from office.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This progression illustrates a potential slide from empowered use to unhealthy dependence.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Ramzan illustrates how this could work in business settings.—
Joe McKendrick,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Find another scapegoat to rationalize your assault on the crown jewels of American progress — our colleges and universities that until now have attracted the best and the brightest from our country and all over the world.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Apr. 2025
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Clearly the request — which must have originated in City Hall — uses the fires as a smokescreen to rationalize a bailout for a deficit that is fundamentally the result of years-long fiscal malpractice.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Denmark’s charm-offensive chief visited Texas before stopping in Washington to promote the long-standing ties between Washington and Copenhagen, including a reception for business leaders and investors to demonstrate a steady environment.—
Philip Elliott,
TIME,
11 Mar. 2025
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Boebert's remarks and Houlahan's motion in response demonstrate the bitterness between and in Congress following a presidential election in which both parties' candidates accused their rival of being a .—
James Bickerton,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The metrics on which companies are required to report are likely to be reduced and simplified, but regulatory compliance still remains a data challenge that requires integrated solutions.—
Sophia Mendelsohn,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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In addition to French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (simplified) being some of the languages available, Vision Pro will allow users to proofread, rewrite, and summarize text using Writing Tools.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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That can be interpreted as better durability or worse per-minute production.—
Nick Ashbourne,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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The flash of light was then interpreted as the planet being destroyed as it was consumed by the growing red giant; the infrared brightening was believed to be caused by dust left over as the planet effectively burned up in the red giant's atmosphere, much like a giant meteor.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
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