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
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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
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Recent Examples of explain
Bareilles explained that she wasn’t always attached as a songwriter.
—
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 11 Jan. 2026
Apparently my saying no every time for years and explaining why is not sufficient.
—Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
But Bob’s was the least predictable and the hardest to explain.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2026
Confused by a tech term or want something explained?
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain
Verb
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While the companies have not clarified where locations will be closing, financial constraints have pushed them to reduce their national footprint.—
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After the Variety story was published, Grande clarified her comments regarding new music in a comment on a fan account's Instagram post about the interview.—
Verb
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Yuba County District Attorney Clint Curry in early October cleared Rodarte and Trumm of potential wrongdoing, deeming their gunfire in response to Oliver as justified self-defense.—
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Some of Ross’s actions could be legally justified, Ramsey noted.—
Verb
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Recent reassessments in parts of West Garfield Park, North Lawndale and Englewood illustrate a broader problem, with increases that go far beyond routine market movement.—
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Advertisement No country illustrates the region’s dilemma better than Brazil, Latin America’s largest democracy.—
Verb
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Now, experts and officials say, the weight of those investments could finally rationalize the projects needed to keep that development going.—
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Even among some voters who were sincerely uncomfortable with Mamdani’s past rhetoric, many rationalized that an authentic Democrat with a pulse was still better than someone who might be manipulated from afar.—
Verb
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The new technology described in the study demonstrates the incredible potential of combining classic engineering principles (like the Tesla turbine) with modern materials science to address long-standing industrial challenges.—
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Earlier protests demonstrated many Iranians’ opposition to the theocracy’s hard-line ideology, its insistence on the hijab, its control of media and education, its general brutality.—
Verb
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Plaut aims to simplify the flying experience by utilizing software that mirrors a car rather than a traditional airplane.—
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Known for simplifying complex issues, O'Grady has reported on how tariffs impact small businesses and consumers, Federal Reserve policy and interest rate decisions, including securing an exclusive interview with a Federal Reserve president.—
Verb
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But interpreting this statistic has become more complicated with the crackdown on immigrants.—
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But phones are still popping up at lunch time and between classes, and even during classes, as some teachers have interpreted this leniency differently than others, Raatz said.—
Cite this Entry
“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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