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Definitions

expound

[ik-spound] / ɪkˈspaʊnd /
VERB
talk about in great detail
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clarify delineate exemplify explain explicate express illustrate set forth spell out
STRONG
comment construe describe discourse elucidate enucleate interpret present state unfold
Antonyms
STRONGEST
complicate confuse mystify obscure
STRONG
mix up refrain withhold

Usage

What are other ways to say expound? To expound is to give a methodical, detailed, scholarly explanation of something, usually Scriptures, doctrines, or philosophy: to expound the doctrine of free will. To explain is to make plain, clear, or intelligible something that is not known or understood: to explain a theory or a problem. To elucidate is to throw light on what before was dark and obscure, usually by illustration and commentary and sometimes by elaborate explanation: They asked him to elucidate his statement. To interpret is to give the meaning of something by paraphrase, by translation, or by an explanation based on personal opinion: to interpret a poem or a symbol.

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.

It is common for justices to spar in their written opinions, and they sometimes expound on their legal disagreements in speeches or interviews.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The company is set to expound on the results at Qubits 2026, a two-day conference at the end of January.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

“I feel it here, but I don’t expound it from there.”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2024

A curved index finger rises up from the rest like a speaker separating from a crowd and preparing to expound.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2024

I had to stop for a second, to expound a little, because I knew a lot about butterflies.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings

Vocabulary lists containing expound

To Kill a Mockingbird

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Animal Farm

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6

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