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
Relevance
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
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
Then, the following paragraphs explain why this pairing works and provides some examples of some popular brands of rosé wine in the category.
—
Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Cruz later explained on Instagram Robert Anthony Cruz isn’t letting a live TV mishap keep him down!
—Latoya Gayle, People.com, 25 July 2025
Why? About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Upright vacuum cleaners typically have bigger motors, which generate more powerful suction, Ho explains.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Cruz later explained on Instagram Robert Anthony Cruz isn’t letting a live TV mishap keep him down!
—Latoya Gayle, People.com, 25 July 2025
Why? About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Upright vacuum cleaners typically have bigger motors, which generate more powerful suction, Ho explains.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
-
This mindset sharpens execution, clarifies your narrative and aligns your team around value creation.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
Mulford clarified the board vote did not approve an AI plan.—
Edward McKinnon,
Arkansas Online,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
However, the Commission did not indicate any sudden or unexpected event that would justify the urgency.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Lay of the land Advocates for the Golden Dome point to recent events to justify the program.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
Though Combs denied the allegation, the incident illustrates how some individuals may attempt to exert control over their current or former partners, even through intimidation or violence, to prevent them from forming new relationships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
The artist continues to interrogate the interplay between image and text in culture today –– illustrating the persistent dominance of advertising, as well as the peculiarities of newer phenomena, such as memes.—
Megan Williams,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
Therefore, according to Irwin, the more effective way to eliminate high-fructose corn syrup would be to weaken the industry by rationalizing U.S. sugar policy.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
17 July 2025
-
But how to rationalize the black eye to CBS News and its signature news show 60 Minutes?—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
This was demonstrated in a 2024 study evaluating the effectiveness of a turmeric-Boswellia formulation.10 Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract that has been found to reduce inflammation.11 In this study, pain relief was quick.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
24 July 2025
-
The new molecule can be injected into veins or muscles and has demonstrated its ability to cross the protective 'blood–brain barrier' and effectively reach receptors in brain cells.—
Health Reporter,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
The World’s Largest Naked Event In 2006, there was a shift towards simplifying the message and focusing on cycling advocacy.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
-
In December 2020, Congress passed a law to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, a form that most students must fill out each year to get financial aid.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
And these flaws are often subtle, buried inside complex statistical models that even their creators struggle to fully interpret.—
Ted Ladd,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
At its core, the platform is designed to teach search engines and AI assistive engines how to correctly interpret and represent people and brands.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share