Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for interpret.
Definitions

interpret

[in-tur-prit] / ɪnˈtɜr prɪt /
VERB
make sense of; define
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clarify construe decipher depict describe enact explain illustrate portray read solve translate understand view
STRONG
adapt annotate comment commentate decode delineate elucidate exemplify explicate expound gather gloss image improvise limn mimic paraphrase perform picture play reenact render represent take
WEAK
make of spell out throw light on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
confuse disbelieve mix up obscure
STRONG
cloud direct fail misunderstand mystify stop
WEAK
misinterpret

Usage

What are other ways to say interpret? 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. 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. 

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 lack of disclosure and contractual complexity of these arrangements makes it difficult for investors to interpret true economic leverage versus that reported on balance sheet,” Castagno’s team writes.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

The EHRC's Code of Practice provides guidance for how public bodies and service providers should interpret the Equality Act 2010.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Under these conventional frameworks, the lack of gamma-ray emission from dwarf galaxies makes it harder to interpret the Milky Way's gamma-ray excess as evidence of dark matter.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Instead, a more helpful framework is to interpret the curve as a signal to help traders and end users of oil manage their inventories.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Mrs. Byrne makes a strangled sound that I interpret as a laugh.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Vocabulary lists containing interpret

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Vocabulary of the Common Core

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!