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

"For generations, these skills were passed through families," he explains.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

That also explains why stocks were holding their ground despite the leg higher in Treasury yields, Mulberry told MarketWatch via phone on Friday.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026

“It’s the terror,” she explains, “of knowing that although you own Monday, you may not own the whole week, even through Tuesday, let alone Friday.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

"Physicists call this trait universality -- the messy, microscopic details wash out and only a few essential features survive," explains Jason Alicea, William K. Davis Professor of Theoretical Physics.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026

“They want to take some pictures while you work,” Miss Genovese explains, and then she holds up a garment bag.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse