interpret

verb

in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio)
Definition of interpretnext
1
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable a biblical passage that scholars haven't been able to interpret to everyone's satisfaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of interpreted the role of Fletcher Christian in a challengingly new way

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb interpret contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interpret are elucidate, explain, explicate, and expound. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

When can elucidate be used instead of interpret?

The meanings of elucidate and interpret largely overlap; however, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When would explain be a good substitute for interpret?

While the synonyms explain and interpret are close in meaning, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When is it sensible to use explicate instead of interpret?

In some situations, the words explicate and interpret are roughly equivalent. However, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might expound be a better fit than interpret?

The words expound and interpret can be used in similar contexts, but expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

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 interpret The Ohio Supreme Court, where Republicans hold a 6-1 majority, will interpret whether the map violates any of the anti-gerrymandering rules. —Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 17 July 2025 Both girls' middle names of Elizabeth are interpreted as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth. —Janine Henni, People.com, 17 July 2025 The interview also reframes the list as a narrative project: one in which Black Midwestern life is not merely archived but curated, conjured, and interpreted. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025 Belly, for her part, didn’t see it the same way and interpreted Jeremiah’s actions as cheating. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for interpret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret
  1. explain
  2. play
  3. clarify
  4. perform
  5. illustrate
  6. portray
  7. demonstrate
  8. depict
Verb
  • Police officials will explain how the new police drones can be remotely deployed and piloted toward the scene of an incident from docks placed across the city.
    — Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 26 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
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Malakian explains the role Ozzfest played in elevating System of a Down’s profile.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
  • The Royals will play a split doubleheader against the Guardians on Saturday afternoon.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Definition of play
Verb
  • Mulford clarified the board vote did not approve an AI plan.
    — Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2025
  • This mindset sharpens execution, clarifies your narrative and aligns your team around value creation.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • Cauley is on her own tour, performing four shows a week in different cities across the U.S., and will be headlining at Zanie's Comedy Club on July 31.
    — Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Coldplay was performing at a concert in Foxborough, Mass., on July 16 when the Jumbotron cut to Byron and Cabot cuddling in the crowd.
    — Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of perform
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
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • AnnaSophia Robb portrayed Violet Beauregarde, the bubble-gum obsessed child who finds a Golden Ticket and is ultimately turned into a blueberry.
    — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • When not painting biblical scenes and images of saints, these artists were portraying the rich and powerful.
    — Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of portray
Verb
  • 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
  • Various chores from the early days of life in Pea Ridge, including corn shelling, apple peeling, using a scrub board, letter stamping at the post office, lace making may be demonstrated.
    — Annette Beard, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • The episode knocks Trump multiple times by depicting him with comedically small genitals, which frustrates Satan and enrages Trump when a portrait artist paints him with small genitals.
    — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • The final glimpse of their lives depicted them in Paris raising Tali (Isla Gie in Tony & Ziva).
    — Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of depict

Browse Nearby Words

interposing
interpret
interpretation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpret. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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