Synonyms of interpret

interpret

verb

in-ˈtər-prət 

1

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable

a biblical passage that scholars haven't been able to interpret to everyone's satisfaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to play

to present a portrayal or performance of

interpreted the role of Fletcher Christian in a challengingly new way

Synonyms & Similar Words

• play
• perform
• portray
• depict
• do
• represent
• act
• impersonate
• dramatize
• enact
• render
• act out
• mimic
• imitate
• take on
• pose (as)
• masquerade
• playact
• underplay
• role-play
• ape
• overplay
• ham
• pantomime
• star (in)
• overact
• mime
• coact
• clown
• costar

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of interpret

The infographic itself is not sourced, and does not explain how its author interpreted the relevant data. —Samantha Riedel, Them, 21 Mar. 2025

The case overturned the Chevron Doctrine, which allowed government agencies to interpret statutes and implement regulations. —John Scott Lewinski, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025

DeSantis now has a good relationship with Trump — which some have interpreted as an effort by the president to keep potential Vance rivals around, so the vice president doesn't get too comfortable. —Marc Caputo, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025

Anderson, who was not in evidence at the show, had the previous day posted to his personal Instagram a short video that looked very much like a highlight reel of his tenure at Loewe; many commenters interpreted this as the designer’s public farewell to the brand. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025