Synonym Chooser

How does the verb explicate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explicate are elucidate, explain, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might elucidate be a better fit than explicate?

The words elucidate and explicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 explain instead of explicate?

Although the words explain and explicate have much in common, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

Where would expound be a reasonable alternative to explicate?

In some situations, the words expound and explicate are roughly equivalent. However, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related as synonyms of explicate?

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 explicate As a result, its sequel, Inside Out 2, continues to explicate a little girl’s psyche as if our sense of morality and self-esteem had not been altered by politics, media, or science during the past ten years. Armond White, National Review, 14 June 2024 It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s past mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 31 May 2024 It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024 The list, compiled from a survey of experts in the worlds of publishing and entertainment and written by regular contributors to The Times’ film and books coverage, explicates the cocktail’s allure and why many have ordered it again and again, despite its tart aftertaste. Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for explicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicate
Verb
  • It was explained to the passengers that a concentration of plankton had drawn swarms of small fish to the area; the concentration of small fish had attracted larger fish, which devoured the smaller fish; these predators attracted larger predators, to devour them.
    Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Figure explains this innovative approach.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This framework is best suited for companies needing to clarify their differentiation in a competitive space.
    Diana Khramina, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells in February asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to clarify the law.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Her own work has illustrated how different brain regions activate when processing English or Chinese sentences because of their differing linguistic properties.
    Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
  • As the graphic above illustrates, Galatasaray’s Napoli loanee can find space to shoot, even with limited service.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Palantir is demonstrating leadership in the artificial intelligence software platform space and has the top- and bottom-line growth track record to prove it.
    Todd Gordon, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The installers will typically walk the homeowner through the basics and demonstrate how the sprinkler system operates.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicate. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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