Synonym Chooser

How does the verb interpret contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interpret are elucidate, explain, explicate, and expound. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

When can elucidate be used instead of interpret?

The meanings of elucidate and interpret largely overlap; however, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When would explain be a good substitute for interpret?

While the synonyms explain and interpret are close in meaning, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When is it sensible to use explicate instead of interpret?

In some situations, the words explicate and interpret are roughly equivalent. However, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might expound be a better fit than interpret?

The words expound and interpret can be used in similar contexts, but expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

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 interpret Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island told Mr. Biden’s aides that the silence from the majority of Democratic senators should not be interpreted as a sign of support. Annie Karni, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 In an apparent effort to limit the implications of its ruling, the court said its judgment should not be interpreted as a rebuke of common practices taken up by social media companies, such as data collection. Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025 There are a lot of ways to interpret that, but one thing that is built into the conceit of the show is that, for the innies, the choice is work or nonexistence. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025 In addition, a 2024 Supreme Court ruling shifted the power to interpret federal laws, as passed by Congress, away from executive branch government agencies. Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for interpret 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret
Verb
  • Honoring your own culture An effective way to navigate these conversations is by explaining to your child that their friend's hairstyle is a way of honoring their culture—and that your child can celebrate their own culture, too.
    Leslie D. Rose, Parents, 14 Jan. 2025
  • While everyone is still reeling at the news that Carrie Underwood will be singing at Trump’s inauguration on January 20, the American Idol winner herself has released a statement explaining her decision.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Boldo contains antioxidants, which help protect cell health and play a role in preventing certain health conditions.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The Wolf Man, in which Lon Chaney Jr. played the memorable title character.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The spokesperson clarified that Willis had not granted permission for the song's use at rallies because it was not legally required.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Bob clarified that all the traitors agreed a housewife should go and that Dorinda would be the first.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Anyone interested in performing hymns with Frost and the Village Community Chorale should contact the church music ministries coordinator, Twyla Arant, at twylaa@villagechurch.org.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Trenitalia performed well in the booking experience, reliability and traveler experience categories.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This example illustrates how AI can enhance productivity while allowing humans to focus on tasks that require creativity and expertise.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The table below, displaying centre-backs signed, illustrates that dominance over other leagues.
    Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Chalamet recently portrayed Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, the biopic directed by James Mangold, and performed all of his own vocals in the film.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Both films are about the preposterous beauty standards foisted upon women in our modern culture, yet both films seem determined to make these same women suffer, while portraying men as mostly bumbling buffoons whose chief infractions are wandering eyes.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Still, Pasha’s interactions with current and former students demonstrate his unique place within the academic ecosystem, and the conviction that guides his defiant documentation.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
  • His involvement with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement further demonstrates his commitment to advancing efficiency and innovation in the industry.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • If the content of his films skews towards the dark side, their form tends to be a bit more playful, undercutting some of the heaviness of what’s being depicted.
    Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Contemporary sculptures of earthly Greek women were usually made from terra-cotta and depicted them clothed in tight cloaks.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near interpret

Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpret. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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