Synonyms

explain

American

[ik-spleyn] / ɪkˈspleɪn /

verb (used with object)

to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible.

to explain an obscure point.

Synonyms:

explicate

Antonyms:

confuse
to make known in detail.

to explain how to do something.
to assign a meaning to; interpret.

How can you explain such a silly remark?
to make clear the cause or reason of; account for.

I cannot explain his strange behavior.

Synonyms:

justify

verb (used without object)

to give an explanation.

verb phrase

explain away
1. to diminish or nullify the significance of by explanation.
  
  He couldn't explain away his absence from home at the time the robbery was committed.
2. to dispel (doubts, difficulties, etc.) by explanation.
  
  She explained away the child's fears.

explain British

/ ɪkˈspleɪn /

verb

(when tr, may take a clause as object) to make (something) comprehensible, esp by giving a clear and detailed account of the relevant structure, operation, surrounding circumstances, etc
(tr) to justify or attempt to justify (oneself) by giving reasons for one's actions or words

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What are other ways to say explain?

To explain something is to make it plain or clear, or to render it understandable or intelligible. How does explain compare to synonyms elucidate, expound, and interpret? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of explain

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English explanen, from Latin explānāre “to smooth out, make intelligible, spread out on flat surface”; see origin at ex- ¹, plane ¹

Explanation

To explain something is to define it, show how it works, or just tell what it is. Explaining helps people understand. If you know football really well, then you could probably explain it to a non-fan. Explaining makes things clearer. A lot of teaching is explaining — telling how something works. Also, if you do something wrong, people will ask you to explain your actions. Explaining can help someone "get it" — whatever "it" is.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing explain

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4

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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.

And that helps to explain why Americans are so resistant to paying more for goods and services and helping, in an unintended way, to keep a cap on inflation.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

The study also pointed to a specific biological process that may help explain the association.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

Tariffs and oil tankers don’t explain four decades of teenagers walking away from jobs they could have had.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Until then, Russell had looked for external reasons to explain his difficult start to the season.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“It’s not a matter of wealth,” I explain.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023