Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expound contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expound are elucidate, explain, explicate, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

When would elucidate be a good substitute for expound?

The words elucidate and expound 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

Where would explain be a reasonable alternative to expound?

While in some cases nearly identical to expound, explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

When might explicate be a better fit than expound?

The words explicate and expound can be used in similar contexts, but explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

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

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

interpreting a work of art

Examples 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 expound White didn't expound much more on the Easter eggs, but the mention should augment the excitement around the event. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 Chinese leaders seek to bolster the party’s ruling legitimacy by investing in propaganda, expounding the party’s ideology, and demonstrating how the state is responsive to the needs of the people. Lynette H. Ong, Foreign Affairs, 11 Jan. 2023 Courtesy of Prime Video Tolkien expounded upon the powers of the rings in a letter gathered in a compendium. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024 In an interview with The Times that has been edited and condensed for clarity and space, Silverman expounds on developing this landmark episode. Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expound 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • India’s anti-monopolies regulator earlier this year expressed concern about a concentration of cricket rights in the hands of Reliance Industries (Viacom18, Jio) and Disney.
    Patrick Frater, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
  • The compassion of Jesus is expressed in many stories throughout the Bible.
    Gerry Tucker, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • More:Operation Lone Star explained: What's happening in Eagle Pass, Texas?
    John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • And, as a clinical social worker explains this morning, the problem is only getting worse.
    Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • With Batman missing in action, Detective Barbara Gordon (Rodriguez) is left with no other choice but to seek help from Gotham’s second smartest detective: The Riddler (voiced by Hasan Minhaj).
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Although the most recent polling had Coloradans evenly split over the issue, the results show that the majority of Colorado voters heeded the concerns voiced by the state’s hunters, conservationists, and wildlife experts.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The document that came out today clarified both the above concerns.
    Simi Thambi​, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that the 2024 figures use the state's diversity definitions and the previous years' use federal definitions.
    Asher Price, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Indigenous art collector and dealer Herman Schweizer was given the task of stocking the venues with enticing items.
    Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Pullins did not give a timeline for Householder's clemency request.
    Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The aftermath of Israel’s 1982 invasion illustrates another stark fact: permanently weakening or even defeating an organization can give rise to new ones.
    Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Spaghetti models are named after their spaghetti-like appearance and are used to illustrate the potential path of a storm.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Over the course of the last few weeks, the royal demonstrated her proclivity for adaptable fashion.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
  • President Biden’s trip to the Amazon demonstrates a U.S. commitment to the clean energy revolution, which Biden has fostered during his term.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 20 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near expound

Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on expound

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