Definition of interpretationnext
1
2
as in version
a presentation of an artistic work (as a piece of music) from a particular point of view a sensitive interpretation of a piece that is a touchstone for violinists

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in variation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play) a very Freudian interpretation of The Nutcracker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 interpretation Hearing these codas during a highly social event appears to support this interpretation, the authors wrote. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026 Minnesota officials have pushed back on the administration’s interpretation of Title IX. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026 Differing interpretations of dark matter’s meaning Some scientists, such as astrobiologist Adam Frank, warn that seeking sacredness in topics like dark matter might end in disappointment because science constantly evolves. Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026 Its seminary is the foremost clerical institution in the world, training students from Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan in a wide range of topics, including Shiite jurisprudence, Quranic interpretation and Arabic literature. Mary Thurlkill, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpretation
Noun
  • Willick was not convinced by this explanation, noting that many graphic and upsetting stories had been shared from the bimah in the past two and a half years—stories about violence perpetrated by Hamas.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Braves manager Walt Weiss came out of the home dugout for an explanation.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The name on the order was Theodora Kaczynski—a female version of the Unabomber.
    Oriana van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Lenney opposed earlier versions of the bill, too.
    Mark Dee March 28, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Those variations came down to either a deal that kept the 24-year-old with the organization for the rest of his career or through his first two free-agent years.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But there are some regional variations; first prize in Tokyo, for example, is 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of tuna.
    Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • His 120 illustrations are colorful, sometimes combining nature photography with Walden’s original creations to form detailed settings.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Before the three scientists’ work, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans were largely abstract animals to most people – zoo exhibits, textbook illustrations, evolutionary symbols.
    Mireya Mayor, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At Citi Field, as Díaz had already walked out to a live rendition of the song performed by Timmy Trumpet.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
  • During the show, Chuquimamani-Condori also announced a new Los Thuthanaka project, Waq'a, a musical rendition of the Aymara story of the sun that will arrive on April 3 on Bandcamp alongside an accompanying booklet.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As the group hopped and grunted, Keuilian strode through the room with a video crew, shooting a Squire promo (two takes).
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Both the West End version (which opened in 2016) and Broadway’s take (which followed two years later) are still running.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Last Stops of the Night Journey publishes, on facing pages, the entirety of two books by the contemporary Italian poet Milo De Angelis opposite English translations by Patrizio Ceccagnoli and Susan Stewart.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Cortisol face is the social media translation.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Big 12 Player of the Year is coming off of one of her best performances as a Horned Frog with 28 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the win over Virginia in the Sweet 16.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Espionage is never a solo performance.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on interpretation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster