“Explain” Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms, and Examples

Learning the synonyms of a word will benefit your vocabulary knowledge. The English language has a lot of exciting things to study, including the concept of synonyms and antonyms. You might have found yourself searching in Google: explain synonym.

As an author, you must improve your vocabulary by reading a thesaurus. It’s an excellent tool that can assist you in studying word synonyms. You can familiarize yourself with words like “explain.” You will learn from this article from an explain synonym guide below.

man in black suit jacket explaining something with a gesture
Photo by steffen wienberg on Unsplash

The Definition of Explain

The English dictionary defines the term “explain” as a verb. When you “explain” something, you “want someone to understand” or “comprehend it.” It may stand for “making something clear or “knowledgeable.” 

Another good depiction of the word “explain” is “putting in things simply.” It’s a way of “teaching” or “educating.” It may stand for “expose” or “make something noteworthy.”

Examples:

  • I will explain what happened earlier.
  • The people demand the president to explain the rampant corrupt practices by the government.
  • My professor never dares to explain a test’s instructions.
  • Zoe will explain the reason why we should move from California to Dallas.
  • I will explain something to you.

Explain Synonyms — Exploring Words with Similar Meaning

Tell

It derives from the Ancient Germanic “tellan,” which stands for “reckon.” Then, it was anglicized into its modern term, which still follows the previous definition.

It’s also related to the other verb depiction of “tell,” which is “to say.” You may use this term if you want someone to know something. Also, you may utilize it if you want someone to take a look at an appearance.

I wish to tell her about the spectacle of such a place.

Describe

The term derives from the Latin “describere,” which directly translates to “write.” It’s one of the closest synonyms you can interchange with “explain”. 

The witness will describe what happened yesterday to the police.

Clarify

This term derives from the Middle French “clarifier”. The translation says, “to make pure or clear.” 

You might want to clarify what you did at class earlier.

Expound

This is also one of the closest terms with a similar meaning to “explain.” It directly translates: “put forth. ” It derives from the French term “espendre” which stands for “to explain.”

The pastor happened to expound what the Bible verse meant.

Elaborate

Another synonym for “explain” is “elaborate”, similar to “expound.” It derives from the Latin “elaborare” which stands for: “to produce by effort.”

The student will elaborate the lesson in class later.

Explain Antonyms — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

Hide

One of the antonyms of the word “explain” is “hide.” It derives from the Middle English “hȳdan,” which stands for”to cover or encase.”

You must hide the secret code from anyone else.

Conceal

Another antonym of “explain” is “conceal”. It derives from the French term “conceler,” which directly translates to “dissimulate”

The meaning of the passage remains concealed for everyone.

To Wrap Up

To wrap it up, explain has five typical synonyms and two typical antonyms. You must ensure that you’re familiar with these terms to improve your writing skills. Remember the things you’ve learned with this explain synonym guide.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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