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
Examples 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
Speaking with Variety ahead of the film’s December 25 release, Dhawan explains his attraction to the project, which marks a significant departure from his previous work.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Dec. 2024
This explains why women tend to need those extra hours of sleep compared to men.
—Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 24 Dec. 2024
That at least explains the offense, which had attrition on the offensive line and backfield, plus a couple of key losses at receiver because of off-field issues.
—Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
National Geographic explains the trend as one that is more likely to see people wanting to visit remote destinations (rather than finding places no one has actually ever been).
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Hailey gave birth to son Jack Blues in August, which explains choosing the peridot, a gem derived from the common mineral olivine, one of the few gemstones that occur in only a single color that is one of the birthstones for that month.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Dec. 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine — another big Russian neighbor — in February 2022 continues to resonate in many Finnish minds, and partially explains the ballistics binge.
—James Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
His shift of focus toward Ellen explains, first, why, of all the women in the world, the evil spirit Nosferatu obsesses over her and is ready to lay waste to humankind in order to have her.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
The notable exception, explains Schneider, is clostridium botulinum, but this doesn't typically grow in milk.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Dec. 2024
This explains why women tend to need those extra hours of sleep compared to men.
—Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 24 Dec. 2024
That at least explains the offense, which had attrition on the offensive line and backfield, plus a couple of key losses at receiver because of off-field issues.
—Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
National Geographic explains the trend as one that is more likely to see people wanting to visit remote destinations (rather than finding places no one has actually ever been).
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Hailey gave birth to son Jack Blues in August, which explains choosing the peridot, a gem derived from the common mineral olivine, one of the few gemstones that occur in only a single color that is one of the birthstones for that month.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Dec. 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine — another big Russian neighbor — in February 2022 continues to resonate in many Finnish minds, and partially explains the ballistics binge.
—James Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
His shift of focus toward Ellen explains, first, why, of all the women in the world, the evil spirit Nosferatu obsesses over her and is ready to lay waste to humankind in order to have her.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
The notable exception, explains Schneider, is clostridium botulinum, but this doesn't typically grow in milk.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains
Verb
-
This selection, on the other hand, illustrates the top of his range.Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
-
Furthermore, the series' integration into fresh circuits across 20 states illustrates its ambition to extend its foothold.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
This hypocrisy is rancid but irrelevant to those for whom the end justifies any means, including cold-blooded murder.Alan M. Dershowitz, New York Daily News, 22 Dec. 2024
-
The question has to be asked whether Neuer justifies that sort of salary going forward.Manuel Veth, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
However, the bill’s text makes no mention of the riot and only clarifies that House data stored elsewhere is still under the control of House rules.Julia Shapero, The Hill, 19 Dec. 2024
-
This fact clarifies Melton’s character.Longreads, Longreads, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
This series demonstrates how national access to functional plumbing infrastructure is complicated by bureaucracy and climate change.Marnie Shure, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024
-
The massive popular revolt against the 2021 coup, particularly among young people who had thrived during the previous decade, demonstrates that that strategy in fact succeeded, if at enormous cost, as the Myanmar military appears incapable now of reasserting its control nationwide.Derek Mitchell, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Roku Pay simplifies the process of singing up and managing subscriptions.Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025
-
Use Password Managers Creating strong, unique passwords for every online account can feel overwhelming, but a password manager simplifies the task.Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
In the process, Fur & Loathing also illuminates a subculture that is often derided but that provides joy and fulfillment for its members.Marnie Shure, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024
-
Lutron lighting illuminates every room of the home, and a massive stone wall houses a fireplace that heats up the combination living and dining areas.Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near explains
Cite this Entry
“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share