explained; explaining; explains
1
a
: to make known
explain the secret of your success
b
: to make plain or understandable
footnotes that explain the terms
2
: to give the reason for or cause of
unable to explain his strange conduct
3
: to show the logical development or relationships of
explained the new theory
: to make something plain or understandable
a report that suggests rather than explains
Synonyms
Examples of explain in a Sentence
I need a lawyer to explain this contract to me.
The professor explained the poem to the class.
She explained how the machine worked.
I explained to them that I would be available by phone.
Scientists could not explain the strange lights in the sky.
I don't know how to explain the dog's strange behavior.
We asked him to explain his reasons to us.
Can you explain why no one was informed earlier?
That explains why we were so far behind schedule.
Give me a chance to explain.
Recent Examples on the Web
And, as a clinical social worker explains this morning, the problem is only getting worse.
—
Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
More:Operation Lone Star explained: What's happening in Eagle Pass, Texas?
—John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The collaboration was founded upon the idea of introducing contemporary elements that continue Fortuny’s relevance in today’s design landscape, Riad explained, adding that Minassian was a perfect fit for the project.
—Sofia Celeste, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
The items on the list aren't equal, explains Ferguson, noting that some are more egregious than others.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explain 
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.
Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
More:Operation Lone Star explained: What's happening in Eagle Pass, Texas?
—John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The collaboration was founded upon the idea of introducing contemporary elements that continue Fortuny’s relevance in today’s design landscape, Riad explained, adding that Minassian was a perfect fit for the project.
—Sofia Celeste, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
The items on the list aren't equal, explains Ferguson, noting that some are more egregious than others.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explain
Dictionary Entries Near explain
Cite this Entry
“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explain. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
explain
verb
ex·plain
ik-ˈsplān 
1
: to make plain or understandable
2
: to give the reason for or cause of
explainer
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share