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 The Captain America star further expounded on his relationship with his sons, such as his belief in the importance of instilling positive values and manners as their father. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2025 Combined with David Ricardo (1772-1823), another influential British economist who expounded on the benefits of free trade with his theory of comparative advantage, by the mid-19th century laissez-faire became the central tenet to what was then a burgeoning discipline: economics. Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 Maine high school athlete Cassidy Carlisle expounded on her message to Gov. Janet Mills as the state continued to thumb its nose as President Donald Trump and maintain its transgender-athlete policies in girls' and women’s sports. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025 However, Powell will have the chance to expound on where the Fed is heading from here. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expound
Verb
  • Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.
    Time, Time, 29 May 2025
  • Trump’s affinity for Musk did not extend to the broader Republican party, however, as many GOP lawmakers publicly expressed doubts about the cuts Musk made.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • But in the late 19th century, Finkelstein explained, women who'd worked as nurses during the Civil War, even though not part of the Union or Confederate armies, lobbied for and won the right to be buried at Arlington.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Here, again, the English translation fails to capture the historical and cultural connotations of the Persian, Bahari explained.
    Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., has previously voiced strong support of the bill.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 25 May 2025
  • Even the United States, a staunch ally, has voiced concerns over the hunger crisis.
    Sam Mednick, Christian Science Monitor, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • But there’s a difference between using AI to clarify your message and asking it to invent your story.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Lawmakers in both chambers are advancing bills such as the GENIUS Act and the STABLE Act, aimed at defining stablecoins and clarifying disclosure rules.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • But there are few substitutes for availability, and no player has given more to Spurs this season than Porro.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • The second half was much quieter and gave me space to seek out more personal, intimate stories.
    Emily Bogle, NPR, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Els took a South African passport from his jacket pocket to illustrate his pride in his country.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • As the shot map below illustrates, since the start of the 2022-23 season, a large portion of his goals have been scored from in and around the six-yard box.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Netflix’s dark comedy is full of drama, romance and the bonds of sisterhood Comments Sirens demonstrates that wanting more in life while staying true to oneself might be easier said than done.
    Francesca Gariano, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • In November 2024, Russia demonstrated the capabilities of its own hypersonic missile with an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, going on television shortly afterwards to boast about the weapons capabilities.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expound. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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