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.

"We discovered that deleting Mitch led to a major drop in fats in membranes," Gross explains.

From Science Daily • Jul. 3, 2026

Dr Ranj explains when sweating becomes excessive, what can help, and how treatments like Botox may support some people in feeling more comfortable and confident in warmer weather.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026

An advisor with the culinary program, Amy Quazza, thinks "we kind of drift back to tradition when things are untethered or feeling untethered," which explains the renewed appeal of old-economy trades.

From Barron's • Jul. 2, 2026

And as Wood explains in his great book, “The Radicalism of the American Revolution,” these ideas would spread and unleash the republican spirit of free men and women who built America.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

Abuela explains, “I should say, I was born in Turkey. I left for Cuba when I was twelve and never returned to Turkey, never saw my mother and father and my two sisters again.”

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar