explain
verb (used with object)
to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible.
overexplain
-
a word derived from
explain.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Don’t go into any details or overexplain your reasoning.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 19, 2026
Anyway, as our experience in Iraq reminds us, it’s possible to overexplain and overplan.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 4, 2026
There’s always the desire to overexplain, and be like, “I didn’t mean it that way, and I swear to God, I’m a feminist!”
From Salon ● Oct. 17, 2025
Mark Proksch: I think a lot of TV comedy, especially these days, insults the audience by having to overexplain who each character is and why that joke is funny, and “Shadows” never did that.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2025
He doesn’t overexplain punch lines, which can sometimes put him ahead of the audience.
From New York Times ● Oct. 4, 2019
