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 There are thousands of professionals and countless impassioned amateurs, all happy to expound on monetary theory in the way that people elsewhere debate the defensive tactics of the Premier League. Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 In an August TikTok post, an exasperated Roan expounded on her increasingly uncomfortable fan encounters. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 Yost also expounded on how Season 3 of the Apple TV+ series — which is already renewed for a fourth/final season — will differ from Shift. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 Jan. 2025 Rivals for the crown debate the player in front of a crowd and expound on their policies, which almost always center on a single, extreme idea, such as making booze free for everyone. Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • One such problem is a too-common vocal style that is expressed in guttural growls, making lyrics difficult to decipher — at least for me.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Internal Anger Anger is an unpleasant emotion that is often considered not socially acceptable to express.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This gets at a much bigger issue: This production fails to justify or explain why this is a one-person show or what is gained by this choice.
    Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Focus on explaining the problem your brand solves, and provide actionable solutions and clear calls to action.
    Saul Marquez, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What To Know Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon voiced their concerns over Trump's new Social Security pick during a news conference Wednesday.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The European Academy voiced support, as did countless other award groups and festivals.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But taxpayers could face some hiccups there and need to clarify if that's possible with the IRS.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
  • This model helps clarify what admissions officers at elite institutions are truly seeking beyond perfect test scores and GPAs.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Both the city’s ad hoc committee on the 2028 Olympic Games and the full council gave its approval this week to several venue changes, including shifting equestrian events from the Valley to Temecula.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Delegating is about giving your employees a time to learn, to grow, to shine and to expand while also helping to lighten your load and achieve organizational goals.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The tragic case of Kitty Genovese in 1964 famously illustrated this concept, though the case details have been subject to later scrutiny and revision.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Small and mid-sized businesses need to build a portfolio of content types: short-form opinion pieces that can be published quickly in response to happenings in your niche, and deep-dive white papers to demonstrate authority.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Palestinians demonstrated against Hamas in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on Tuesday, in what appeared to be the largest protest against the militant group since the October 7 attacks.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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