Synonym Chooser

How does the verb explicate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of explicate are elucidate, explain, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might elucidate be a better fit than explicate?

The words elucidate and explicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When is it sensible to use explain instead of explicate?

Although the words explain and explicate have much in common, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

Where would expound be a reasonable alternative to explicate?

In some situations, the words expound and explicate are roughly equivalent. However, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

How are the words interpret and explain related as synonyms of explicate?

Interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of explicate The Michael Mann Archives also provide a wealth of video content in the form of 18 documentaries that explicate Mann and his collaborators’ process from a wide array of perspectives including acting, production design, cinematography, and props. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 July 2024 Johnson began by explicating the threat posed by the emerging axis of anti-American great powers, rogue nations, and the stateless terrorists in orbit around them all. The Editors, National Review, 10 July 2024 As a result, its sequel, Inside Out 2, continues to explicate a little girl’s psyche as if our sense of morality and self-esteem had not been altered by politics, media, or science during the past ten years. Armond White, National Review, 14 June 2024 It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s past mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 31 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for explicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicate
Verb
  • Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 13 July 2025
  • The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Based on this research, the company hypothesized about what the issues are that give people trouble with these terms and concepts, though many such searches also could be conducted to clarify details or derive more information.
    Russ Wiles, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Casas has emphasized that the new agreement is primarily about clarifying responsibilities, not about radically changing the department’s behavior.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • When philosophy meets contract law The Microsoft-OpenAI dispute illustrates what happens when philosophical speculation is turned into legal obligations.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
  • Recursion's financial results presently illustrate the conventional hurdles encountered by clinical-stage biotechnology enterprises.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • These weren't amateur attempts at gaming the system — they were carefully crafted prompt injections that demonstrated deep understanding of how AI systems process text and respond to instructions.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Given to the forward who demonstrates throughout the season the most skill in the defensive component of the game.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Explicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicate. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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