EXPLAIN Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

explain

verb

ik-ˈsplān

Definition of explain next

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

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

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

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Recent Examples of explain Will Smith explains his encounters with both The Notorious B.I.G. and Prince in the hours before their respective deaths. —

Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 19 Feb. 2025 This afternoon, Manhattan Federal Judge Dale Ho has ordered the Department of Justice to appear to explain their reasons for their surprising motion to suspend the five criminal charges against Mayor Adams. —

New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025 The Huskies are 341st nationally and worst amongst all high-major teams in defensive foul rate, per KenPom, which also explains why their opponents have attempted the third-most free throws of any high-major team (behind only Ohio State and Boston College). —

Cj Moore, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025 During a press conference after the announcement, Cooper Manning explained how great the hospital is because his son, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, needed some treatment in the past. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for explain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain

Verb

Meanwhile, the fertility clinic has not been able to clarify what exactly happened to her own embryo—there’s a chance that it was mistakenly implanted in another person as well.

— Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 19 Feb. 2025
Yes, but: A U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson clarified that Homan was referring only to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests.

— Jeremy Duda, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025