EXPLAINS Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

explains

verb

present tense third-person singular of explain

as in illustrates

to make plain or understandable a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in justifies

to give the reason for or cause of can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?

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 explains Below, Bourne explains how and why Black in the British Frame fell out of print. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026 Which perhaps explains why people keep trying to run it back. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026 And Poe, like all the great spooky writers, never explains the thumping but allows the mystery to linger! — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026 Here, Shara shares insights into the challenges facing retailers and brands in managing trade disruptions and market challenges and explains how to mitigate the impact. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 Read this The new iteration of Carrie makes some major changes, and in an interview with Collider Flanagan explains what went into updating the story. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 11 Oct. 2026 As celebrity makeup artist and Tatcha global director of artistry and education Daniel Martin explains, your skin undertone is the color underneath the surface of your skin tone. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026 When the film next cuts back to this room, Sri explains that this is the root of her decision to leave and work in Saudi Arabia. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 Talent was never an issue, which explains why Beamer was under so much heat amid a three-game skid this season. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

That kind of attachment illustrates something about modern business.

— Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Its flight heritage illustrates the importance of dependable computing hardware in missions where repairs are difficult or impossible.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrates

Verb

But the list clarifies that restrictions don’t apply to licensing, partnerships, and contract research services involving these technologies.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026
The team's research clarifies how the environments around infant stars directly affect planetary fates and, in turn, the survival of extrasolar planets, or exoplanets, that are potentially capable of hosting life.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of clarifies

Verb

Patchett rationalizes Mary’s decision by establishing that Nutmeg was old.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
But since neo-Brandeisian thought rejects economics as a pseudo-science that rationalizes the desires of capital owners, that objection carries little weight.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026

Definition of rationalizes

Verb

Fu believes that example demonstrates the potential importance of direct diplomatic intervention, although the circumstances of Jin's release do not establish that such pressure would produce the same result in Wang's case.

— Mitch Picasso, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
As the movie demonstrates, Macdonald’s credentials as a comic’s comic were unassailable.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of demonstrates

Verb

That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
For an unguided experience, his company’s Rental and Ride package simplifies the logistics of a point-to-point river trip by coordinating the drop-off and downriver pickup.

— Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of simplifies

Verb

With her clear sense of purpose and self-belief, Chase illuminates our own generative and creative capacities, inspiring and delighting in equal measure.

— Ruth Negga, Time, 30 Sep. 2026
The Aries Full Moon illuminates your private 12th house, bringing an old emotion, habit, memory, or attachment closer to the surface.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026