Synonyms of explain

explain

verb

ik-ˈsplān 

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

• justify
• rationalize
• account (for)
• attribute
• forgive
• excuse
• explain away
• condone
• absolve
• vindicate
• exonerate
• acquit
• exculpate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb explain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explain are elucidate, explicate, expound, and interpret. While all these words 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

In what contexts can elucidate take the place of explain?

While in some cases nearly identical to explain, 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 explicate instead of explain?

The words explicate and explain can be used in similar contexts, but explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When is expound a more appropriate choice than explain?

Although the words expound and explain have much in common, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related?

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 explain

The logistics were daunting, but carefully calibrated— Angel explained that even wording introductions to attendees at the reception desk were discussed, to make clear that the cookout was centered on trans femmes and donations were encouraged. —Essence, 6 Sep. 2025

Lead author Rab Smyth, from the University of Leicester’s Centre for Paleobiology and Biosphere Evolution, explained that pterosaurs have incredibly lightweight skeletons. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025

That dog, the swineherd explains, belonged to a man who died. —Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025

In one of the longhouses, called a nangamanka, Chief Dom explains how his people lived traditionally. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Phrases Containing explain

• explain away