Definition of expoundnext

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

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 expound French girl bangs lend to an undone look, one that can be expounded upon for a rockstar aesthetic. Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026 In an email exchange, Parsipur, who presently lives in exile in Northern California, expounded on her career, Iran and the recent developments there. Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026 Walz never seemed more animated than when a podcaster asked him to expound on the topic of residential rain gutters. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026 While on a very long sailboat race last week, my partner expounded on the Great Filter theory. Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • Members of the Haitian community were among those who spoke, expressing gratitude and mourning her absence.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The president also expressed frustration about some of the coverage of the sensitive military operation, NBC reported.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Using a synesthetic logic all his own, Torres explains why Dwayne (the Rock) Johnson is orange, Catholicism is purple, and navy blue is the nefarious color that secretly runs the world.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • For an overview of small business tax responsibilities, see IRS Publication 583, which explains general filing and recordkeeping requirements.
    Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The sentiment voiced by the rabbis did not stop several prominent Jewish politicians in New York, including Representative Jerry Nadler, whose district spans much of Manhattan, and Brad Lander, then New York City’s comptroller, from endorsing Mamdani.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Organizers said that millions of people turned up for ‘No Kings’ rallies in all 50 states, voicing anger over the country’s direction, including fatal ICE shootings and troops dispatched to the Middle East.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • If a client presentation collides with family plans, clarify expectations early and ask for support where needed, then show leadership by offering a fair, workable path.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
  • At that time, Netflix adjusted its terms to state that contract terms could one day change due to technological, security, or regulatory needs, to clarify clauses, or to provide changes to the service, Il Sole 24 Ore reported.
    Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • With its latest app update, American is now giving customers a fuller explanation behind every delay and cancellation.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Another version used the bubble-wand photo to give Graham a pink Cinderella-style dress and a set of Mini Mouse ears, complete with perky red bow.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The war in Iran and bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz is further illustrating the need to integrate newer tools into modern warfare.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In the interview, Warsh illustrated this with a story from 2006, when he was nominated to the Fed’s Board of Governors and sought advice from former chair Paul Volcker.
    Paul Wachtel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Union League, in contrast, was for those who could demonstrate their commitment to the national cause, and its clubhouse quickly became a place to get the latest news from the Southern battlefields.
    Michael Gorra, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • When lyrics reference the specific facts of an alleged crime, and prosecutors can demonstrate they were intended as literal statements, not artistic expression — that evidence remains admissible.
    Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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