interpret

verb

in-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce interpret (audio)
Definition of interpretnext
1
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable a biblical passage that scholars haven't been able to interpret to everyone's satisfaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of interpreted the role of Fletcher Christian in a challengingly new way

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb interpret contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interpret are elucidate, explain, explicate, and expound. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

When can elucidate be used instead of interpret?

The meanings of elucidate and interpret largely overlap; however, elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

When would explain be a good substitute for interpret?

While the synonyms explain and interpret are close in meaning, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When is it sensible to use explicate instead of interpret?

In some situations, the words explicate and interpret are roughly equivalent. However, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When might expound be a better fit than interpret?

The words expound and interpret can be used in similar contexts, but expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

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 interpret However, the mere fact that the 15-time major champion is following his son around a golf tournament can undoubtedly be interpreted as a good sign. —Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 Austrian brass septet plays all kinds of music interpreted with Monty Python-level wit. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025 While Americans always have argued about how to interpret and explain their own history, Trump’s far-reaching campaign to deemphasize some stories while rewriting others is new. —Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Scenes like this expose a widening gap between the one billion imaging studies clinicians will order annually and the shrinking radiology workforce available to interpret them. —Yidi Xu, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for interpret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpret
  1. explain
  2. play
  3. clarify
  4. perform
  5. illustrate
  6. portray
  7. demonstrate
  8. depict
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
Definition of explain
Verb
  • No word on the role Koch is playing, and official plot details for the film are being kept under wraps, although it’s described as a comedic drama set in the world of artificial intelligence.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025
  • Bullock, 60, and Kidman, 58, who played sisters Sally Owens and Gillian Owens in the original movie, are both returning.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Definition of play
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
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • The military branch is slated to perform its first-ever refueling of a U.S. military asset in orbit as early as next summer.
    — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
  • Someone performs well, takes on more, delivers again.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of perform
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
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • The latter has portrayed The Waitress — the object of Day's character Charlie Kelly's obsessive, unrequited love — in 37 episodes across 16 seasons of the long-running FX series.
    — Erin Clack, People.com, 6 July 2025
  • Many analysts portrayed the decision as a victory for Trump, and some Democrats lashed out at the court.
    — Editorial, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025
Definition of portray
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
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • All that being said, Angel Reese or any Black man or woman should never be called or depicted as a Monkey.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • Instead, the model ended up depicting World War II Nazis as Black.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of depict

Browse Nearby Words

interposing
interpret
interpretation
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Cite this Entry

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

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