1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of explains
As argued in his book Abundance, Ezra Klein explains how America's growth has been hindered by well-meaning regulations, permitting requirements, and veto points that have blocked affordable housing, infrastructure, and clean energy development.
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Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
In a statement to PEOPLE, Zirkelbach explains her position in the conflict.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
While comfortable, overstuffed recliners are no longer all the rage, explains Jason Saft, the founder of Staged to Sell Home.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026
This, the team explains, enables things like magnesium ions to move and form tiny conductive paths.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
How to Try the Trend at Home Voisey explains that many bartenders master the classics first, then can riff on those themes to play with the texture (such as Avocado Margaritas), flavor profiles (ahem, Kalamata Olive Martini), and eventually, combine two in one.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
The new season begins with a flashback that seemingly explains Roper's fate.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026
Kaeberlein explains that higher fiber intake is consistently linked to better metabolic health and longevity, recommending a target of 30 to 40 grams per day.
—Rachel MacPherson, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
As Charlotte explains, barely suppressing her resentment, Leroy is concerned that her commitment to the cause could stall his ascent at work.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains
Verb
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Advertisement No country illustrates the region’s dilemma better than Brazil, Latin America’s largest democracy.—
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Andersen has also come up with a perfect ending, one that illustrates so much by saying so little.—
Verb
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Satisfy gets a lot of flack for its prices, but this running jacket justifies the price tag thanks to its effective modularity and (extremely) lightweight design.—
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While there are legitimate concerns throughout the Midwest about future reliability due to new data centers and their substantial power consumption, there is no looming emergency that justifies the administration’s action here.—
Verb
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But the resulting blow-by-blow account neither clarifies much about what was going through their minds nor brings them to life as characters.—
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Legislators passed a law in 2024 that essentially specifies emotional support animals are not service dogs and clarifies that a dog must be trained or is being trained to perform tasks or work for a person with a disability is allowed.—
Verb
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Blending fun and function in consumer robotics Baby FuFu demonstrates a wider trend in consumer robotics, where usability and approachability take precedence over complexity.—
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Duwaji demonstrates that style can be commentary, an extension of thought, and a deliberate act of agency.—
Verb
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Thousands of tax filers will also get an additional average benefit of $575 as the state expands and simplifies the child and dependent care tax credit, which helps cover the costs of child care.—
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And that significantly lowers risk and simplifies their operations.—
Verb
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Equipped with a wide shade and two lightbulbs, this lamp illuminates your desk from multiple angles, giving the area ample light.—
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Like Franzen before her, Cash illuminates the inner workings of a modern family.—
Cite this Entry
“Explains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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