1
as in illustrates
to make plain or understandable
a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifies
to give the reason for or cause of
can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of explains
That 10-goal swing explains most of the standings drop.
—
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Jerry Lanuzza, associate professor at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, explains how to store alcohol, whether alcohol goes bad, and how long different types will last.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
The mental health angle also explains some of the demographic patterns in the data.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Read this edition of AI Prognosis, which explains why scientific literature needs more negative and non-significant results.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 29 May 2026
Vasectomy risks While the procedure is considered low-risk, like any surgery, complications may include inflammation, bleeding or infection, Cleveland Clinic explains.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Religion and mourning Choi explains that a requiem Mass is a staple of the choral community and comes from Catholicism.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2026
What a compliant version would even look like Working through what bringing USDT inside the GENIUS regime would actually demand explains the shape of the two-coin structure.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
While there are many ways to support a new parent, one mother explains how a simple gesture changed her outlook and demeanor during the postpartum period.
—Jenny Hughes, Parents, 28 May 2026
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Jerry Lanuzza, associate professor at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, explains how to store alcohol, whether alcohol goes bad, and how long different types will last.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
The mental health angle also explains some of the demographic patterns in the data.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Read this edition of AI Prognosis, which explains why scientific literature needs more negative and non-significant results.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 29 May 2026
Vasectomy risks While the procedure is considered low-risk, like any surgery, complications may include inflammation, bleeding or infection, Cleveland Clinic explains.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Religion and mourning Choi explains that a requiem Mass is a staple of the choral community and comes from Catholicism.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2026
What a compliant version would even look like Working through what bringing USDT inside the GENIUS regime would actually demand explains the shape of the two-coin structure.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
While there are many ways to support a new parent, one mother explains how a simple gesture changed her outlook and demeanor during the postpartum period.
—Jenny Hughes, Parents, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains
Verb
-
His story illustrates what can happen when individuals are connected to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to move forward.—
Beth Hines,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2026
-
The quick video illustrates how the various Captain's Crunch implements unfurl and swap components.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The machine’s upgradeable functionality justifies its footprint, which is much larger than your typical desktop printer.—
Andrew Liszewski,
The Verge,
27 May 2026
-
The tech enables the premium experience, which justifies the premium price.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Strongly supported by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the act also clarifies that organ donation qualifies under the Family and Medical Leave Act, giving donors protected employment status during recovery.—
Gabriel Schnickel,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2026
-
The disclosure clarifies that a lucrative neocloud deal for SpaceX could end after just six months.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
But since neo-Brandeisian thought rejects economics as a pseudo-science that rationalizes the desires of capital owners, that objection carries little weight.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
26 May 2026
-
But as another voter rationalizes, the sheer size of the ballot will do more harm than good in the long run.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The project demonstrates how advances in artificial intelligence and machine vision can be combined with precision motion-control systems to automate highly specific tasks.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
2 June 2026
-
Lestat, now a contemporary rock star who writes songs about living openly undead, demonstrates his contempt for Interview With the Vampire by jeering at audience members who might have read it.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
That mindset simplifies his decision-making, sharpens perception and allows his performance to become more instinctive.—
Elise Devlin,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
Good advice usually simplifies the next step.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Discreetly in a back corner is the reception desk, and a large chandelier illuminates the fresh flower arrangements below.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Douglas Friedman’s upcoming monograph, Full Spectrum (Vendome Press), illuminates the extraordinary level of access the globe-trotting photographer has cultivated over the course of his career.—
Mayer Rus,
Architectural Digest,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
