Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expound contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expound are elucidate, explain, explicate, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

When would elucidate be a good substitute for expound?

The words elucidate and expound 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

Where would explain be a reasonable alternative to expound?

While in some cases nearly identical to expound, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When might explicate be a better fit than expound?

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

explicate a poem

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

Interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

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 expound The discussion did not address the controversy, but Brody did expound on how dialect coach Tanera Marshall and familial inspirations, specifically his grandfather, shaped his vocal characterization of László Tóth, the film’s fictional Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Feb. 2025 Laurie David didn’t expound on her accusation. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025 Hepfer also hands over programs to creative performers who expound their own visions. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 Yet the long sections summarizing various events or expounding on capitalism, naive idealism, and violence turn out to be as engaging as any page-turner for the reader with the persistence to soldier on. Ilana Masad, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • After catching wind of Rock’s new love interest, Saffold took to social media to weigh in on the pairing, beginning her comments with what some took as a hint of shade before appearing to express her approval of Rock dating Newton.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • At the very least, this all sounds like good news for Ferrari Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, who, earlier this season, expressed interest in helping the marque build an F40 tribute—with a manual.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This effect could explain why telescopes detect more galaxies rotating opposite to Earth’s motion than expected.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2025
  • If your golf cart has four wheels, weighs less than 3,000 pounds and can exceed speeds of 20 mph, it’s considered a low-speed vehicle under California law, Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers explained.
    Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Emily Ratajkowski voiced her opinion about the flight to space on TikTok.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • These qualities were noted by drug agents in 2023, who said in court filings that Gonzalez actually voiced concern over spreading addiction, while selling counterfeit Adderall pills that contained methamphetamine.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, Trump did not clarify whether this move would exempt Israel from the 17 percent reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on Wednesday.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells in February asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to clarify the law.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Huang gave Bibb a white T-shirt and some twine and showed her how to tie the fabric into a sausage shape.
    Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • But state lawmakers have been looking for ways to give citizens and communities more of a voice in the decisions, and are focusing efforts this spring on Senate Bill 78.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As the graphic above illustrates, Galatasaray’s Napoli loanee can find space to shoot, even with limited service.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Her own work has illustrated how different brain regions activate when processing English or Chinese sentences because of their differing linguistic properties.
    Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Surprising Loyalty and Stability Despite their reputation for independence and skepticism, Gen X demonstrates remarkable workplace loyalty compared to younger generations.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Jack Moorhouse, a 19-year-old midfielder, has demonstrated an ability to pick up the ball and carry it up the pitch at youth level — an attribute sorely lacking among the first-team squad.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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