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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.

“The Rip” is consumed by the need to expound and interpret its own narrative at every turn.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 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 therefore deprecate attempts to expound Wittgenstein’s thought as a finished thing.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2024

Jus decides to take a page from Docs book: “Care to expound a bit?”

From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.