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

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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 Ganis explains why those rising valuations and new backers have led to different types of deal structures. — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The stronger model is one in which AI narrows the decision space, surfaces relevant signals and explains why an action is being recommended. — Rahul Saluja, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 In the Times interview, Nauman explains that Rothenberg’s studio is filled with natural light, and is thus an ideal setting for the videos. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Lack of self-efficacy Lahey explains that kids who never have to deal with the consequences of their actions end up feeling a lack of self-efficacy. — Cheryl Maguire, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026 Bernadette explains the racial nuances the Guardians might not know as newcomers to Earth, echoing the landmark 1971 Green Lantern/Green Arrow comic series, which attempts to bring the space cops down to Earth by exposing them to racial strife. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 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 Pre-emergent products work by preventing crabgrass seeds from successfully establishing in the first place, explains Elworthy. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains

Verb

The episode illustrates a less visible part of keeping older military aircraft flying.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
That, Manuel says, illustrates the class divide that has been so ingrained in the Philippines.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of illustrates

Verb

As Rankine clarifies in Triage, the pain of this moment is not exclusive to Black Americans.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
The first clarifies that its PLX product does not provide law enforcement agencies with geolocation data, and the second says that the company has reached out to the complaint's authors to ask that the complaint against Penlink be withdrawn.

— Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of clarifies

Verb

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
But as another voter rationalizes, the sheer size of the ballot will do more harm than good in the long run.

— Devon Ivie, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

Definition of rationalizes

Verb

IonQ’s partnership with Sandia National Laboratories also demonstrates its increasing national-security relevance.

— Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The research also demonstrates the JWST is more than capable of studying the dispersal of gas and dust around individual infant stars.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 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

Koopala’s rechargeable, stick-on task light illuminates tricky spots around the home that could use extra light without the hassle of cords or hardwiring.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026
The remainder of the moon will take on a reddish-brown hue because sunlight bends around Earth and illuminates the lunar surface indirectly.

— Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 27 Aug. 2026