explain

verb

ik-ˈsplān How to pronounce explain (audio)
Definition of explainnext
1
as in to clarify
to make plain or understandable a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to justify
to give the reason for or cause of can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb explain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explain are elucidate, explicate, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

In what contexts can elucidate take the place of explain?

While in some cases nearly identical to explain, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When is it sensible to use explicate instead of explain?

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

explicate a poem

When is expound a more appropriate choice than explain?

Although the words expound and explain have much in common, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related?

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 explain In a post on X, Piker also explained how Ossoff’s Israel stance was what sparked his initial excitement about the senator. — Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Sexton explains in a voiceover that no DNA or fingerprints were found at the Topeka home where Mike Sisco and his partner, Karen Harkness, were killed in 2002. — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 Here’s a story from 1985 that explains Williams’ journey and the twists and turns. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Those figures, Cole explained, mean that events that once ran a degree or two above normal in the Galápagos now run three or four. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
  1. clarify
  2. justify
  3. illustrate
  4. rationalize
  5. demonstrate
  6. simplify
  7. interpret
Verb
  • In a statement, an Axel Springer spokesperson clarified that The Circuit was technically incorporated in the US, with staff located around the world.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Pabst also originally posted that a truck was stolen, though company officials later clarified no vehicle went missing.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • Long-term resource potential Technical performance alone cannot justify a project; economic balance governs actual field deployment.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The prosecution and defense both gave closing arguments Tuesday during the second preliminary hearing since July, which is a limited purpose proceeding held for a judge to determine whether the charges are justified.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of justify
Verb
  • The application illustrates how intelligent multi-agent systems may support operational efficiency while addressing regulatory and compliance requirements.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The graphic below illustrates that Circati is not a centre-back who sticks a foot in too often, preferring to sit off and protect the space.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • At a time when antisemitism is too often minimized, rationalized or repackaged in more socially acceptable language, this kind of moral clarity matters.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The offense was bad Saturday, and there’s no spin or rationalizing the performance.
    — Zach Berman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of rationalize
Verb
  • Series 4000 clears endurance tests The Series 4000 earned certification after completing two 720-hour durability tests, demonstrating its ability to operate through extended autonomous missions.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Organizations can identify employees whose demonstrated capabilities already align closely with the requirements of the new role, estimate the training needed to close remaining gaps and accelerate development plans with far greater confidence.
    — Raghu Krishnaiah, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • Doing all of these transformations at full scale was an obvious challenge, and so this version of the Unicorn Gundam somewhat simplified the transformation in favor of the Destroy mode.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Clear one practical snag, simplify one expectation, and give your body enough support to keep the day balanced.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of simplify
Verb
  • When officials disagree, even if legitimate based on terminology, the general public can interpret that disagreement as evidence that officials do not have a solid understanding of the outbreak.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments have been interpreted different ways over the years.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of interpret

Phrases Containing explain

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expiry
explain
explainable
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Cite this Entry

“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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