explain

American  

[ik-spleyn] / ɪkˈspleɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible.

   to explain an obscure point.

   Synonyms:

   explicate

   Antonyms:

   confuse

2. to make known in detail.

   to explain how to do something.

3. to assign a meaning to; interpret.

   How can you explain such a silly remark?

4. to make clear the cause or reason of; account for.

   I cannot explain his strange behavior.

   Synonyms:

   justify

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verb (used without object)

1. to give an explanation.

verb phrase

1. 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

1. (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

2. (tr) to justify or attempt to justify (oneself) by giving reasons for one's actions or words

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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

• explainable adjective
• explainer noun
• explanator noun
• misexplained adjective
• nonexplainable adjective
• overexplain verb
• preexplain verb
• reexplain verb (used with object)
• unexplainable adjective
• unexplainably adverb
• unexplained adjective
• unexplaining adjective
• well-explained adjective

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”; 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.

Example Sentences

The majority didn’t explain its reasoning, but Kavanaugh wrote a separate 10-page opinion explaining why he thought the stops at issue in the case were lawful under longstanding Supreme Court precedent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

To be sure, there are a number of plausible explanations that might explain the divergence between U.S. stocks and bonds.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

That may explain why tickets reportedly remain available for more than a third of the 72 group-stage games and many of the expensive hospitality packages also remain unsold.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

She then showed them the Equality Act on her phone to explain that wheelchair users cannot be removed over a fire risk as evacuation plans must be inclusive.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

I need to not have to explain anything more to Theo.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• analyze
• clarify
• define
• demonstrate
• describe
• disclose
• expound
• illustrate
• interpret
• justify
• point out
• read
• resolve
• reveal
• solve
• spell out
• tell