Definition of elucidatenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elucidate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elucidate are explain, explicate, expound, and interpret. While all these words mean "to make something clear or understandable," elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

In what contexts can explain take the place of elucidate?

While the synonyms explain and elucidate are close in meaning, 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 elucidate?

The meanings of explicate and elucidate largely overlap; however, explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

When would expound be a good substitute for elucidate?

The words expound and elucidate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

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

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

interpreting a work of art

Example 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 elucidate McLellan’s work also helped elucidate why D25 was so much more potent than palivizumab at preventing infection. Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025 The foreign minister’s comments were confusing, but his deputy elucidated them in much clearer terms about the government’s self-conception. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025 The material enhances performance The team elucidated the material’s mechanism through a series of experimental analyses, including solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025 His more recent research has identified a new receptor protein for therapies to target, and helped elucidate the exact process of tumor killing—knowledge that could help improve the potency of immune therapies. Katarina Zimmer, JSTOR Daily, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elucidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elucidate
Verb
  • Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.
    Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs argued Brady’s role as a sports network broadcaster — not just a Patriots icon — explains his neutral stance.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In reality, the project and its progressive defenders fed those forces rather than clarified them.
    Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Republicans framed the bathroom and driver’s license bill as an addendum clarifying the intent of a separate 2023 bill barring trans women from accessing female-only spaces.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Other experts said the subject’s movement could illustrate a lack of urgency.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The singer stood next to a set of faux power lines onstage, which quickly exploded to illustrate the island's frequent power outages.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Unlike the Cold War-era contest between the Soviet Union and the United States, which was driven by governments seeking to demonstrate technological superiority, today's race is increasingly powered by private companies and commercial competition.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Still, the tech giant is facing a growing set of challenges, from intensifying competition to lingering concerns of an AI bubble and relentless pressure to demonstrate growth after several explosive quarters.
    Rosa de Acosta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elucidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elucidate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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