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.

“First of all, there’s a bigger market,” he explains.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

Stan Kerstjens, a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Anthony Zador's laboratory, explains the challenge in terms of positional information.

From Science Daily • Jun. 25, 2026

“It explains quite a large chunk of the growth difference between the U.S. and Europe over the last couple of years,” said Marieke Blom, chief economist at the Dutch bank ING.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

"Almost 4% of the world population lives in a country in which they were not born. This is even higher with high-skilled workers and elite athletes," he explains.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

“They literally hold each other up,” she explains.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy