Synonyms of explicate

explicate

verb

ˈek-splə-ˌkāt 

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable

the physicist did his best to explicate the wave theory of light for the audience of laymen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb explicate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explicate are elucidate, explain, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might elucidate be a better fit than explicate?

The words elucidate and explicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 explain instead of explicate?

Although the words explain and explicate have much in common, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

Where would expound be a reasonable alternative to explicate?

In some situations, the words expound and explicate are roughly equivalent. However, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related as synonyms of explicate?

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 explicate

As a result, its sequel, Inside Out 2, continues to explicate a little girl’s psyche as if our sense of morality and self-esteem had not been altered by politics, media, or science during the past ten years. —Armond White, National Review, 14 June 2024

It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s past mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. —Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 31 May 2024

It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024

The list, compiled from a survey of experts in the worlds of publishing and entertainment and written by regular contributors to The Times’ film and books coverage, explicates the cocktail’s allure and why many have ordered it again and again, despite its tart aftertaste. —Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024