explains

VERB

make clear; give a reason for

Synonyms

STRONGEST

analyze clarify define demonstrate describe disclose expound illustrate interpret justify point out read resolve reveal solve spell out tell

STRONG

annotate construe decipher diagram elucidate excuse explicate manifest paraphrase rationalize refine render teach translate unfold unravel untangle

WEAK

account for break down bring out clear up get across go into detail make plain put across put in plain English set right throw light upon

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conceal confuse distort hide misrepresent misunderstand question wonder

STRONG

cloud mystify obscure stagnate tangle withhold

WEAK

be vague complicate perplex

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

explains

A scholar of jazz and blues, he explains how sorrow and ecstasy, trauma and resilience, all of life’s reverberations are felt in every note he plays.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

This explains why my brain reflexively associated Ritchson’s latest work in a movie classic cinema buffs would likely dismiss as trash, with one of the greatest performers of early 20th century cinema.

From Salon ● Aug. 22, 2026

The BBC's Nathalie Jimenez explains how the debt can affect American consumers and the entire world.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

"By revealing intermediate states, our method could help design materials that can be efficiently controlled using light," explains Ishikawa.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026

I got a book from my school’s book fair last year that explains all kinds of extreme weather.

From "Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun" by Hena Khan