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
He doesn’t overexplain punch lines, which can sometimes put him ahead of the audience.
From New York Times ● Oct. 4, 2019
A minor complaint on the language: Finnegan has a tendency to earnestly overexplain, particularly in early chapters.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 16, 2015
