22 Other Ways to Say EXPLAIN | Explain Synonyms (Examples)

When you want to explain something, sometimes the word “explain” may not be enough. Using different words can make your writing or speaking more interesting. Words like “describe,” “clarify,” “illustrate,” and “elaborate” can be great alternatives. They help you show your ideas in a better way. In this article, we will explore 22 other ways to say explain with examples that you can use every day.

22 Different Ways to Say EXPLAIN: Another Word for Explain

Describe

The word “describe” is used when you want to tell someone about something in detail. You can describe how something looks, feels, or works. It is very useful when you want to paint a picture with words so that someone can imagine it. You can use “describe” for people, places, events, or objects. Describing something helps others understand it better because they can picture it in their mind.

• She described her new house to her friends.
• He described the accident to the police officer.
• The guide described the mountain scenery in detail.

Clarify

“Clarify” means to make something easier to understand. When you clarify, you remove confusion and explain things in a way that everyone can follow. It is very helpful when instructions or ideas are not clear. People often ask for clarification if they do not understand something. Using “clarify” shows that you are making an effort to help others understand your point.

• The teacher clarified the homework instructions.
• She clarified her message during the meeting.
• He clarified his reasoning for the decision.

Illustrate

“Illustrate” is used to explain something by showing examples, pictures, or stories. It is a strong way to help others understand ideas or concepts. When you illustrate, you make information more visible and easier to follow. Illustrating can also make lessons more interesting and engaging. This word works well when you want to show how something works or looks.

• The book illustrated the history of the city.
• She illustrated the process with diagrams.
• He illustrated his point using a real-life example.

Elaborate

“Elaborate” is used when you want to explain something with more details. It helps people understand the full picture. You often use this word when someone gives a short or unclear explanation, and you need more information. Elaborating can include examples, reasons, or step-by-step descriptions. Using “elaborate” shows that you are giving careful thought to the explanation.

• Can you elaborate on your plan for the project?
• She elaborated on the benefits of healthy eating.
• He elaborated his answer with more examples.

Demonstrate

“Demonstrate” means to show clearly how something works or is done. It is very useful in teaching or presenting ideas. Demonstrating can include actions, examples, or step-by-step processes. When you demonstrate, you make it easier for others to learn by seeing it in action. This word shows both explanation and practice.

• She demonstrated the new software to the team.
• He demonstrated how to solve the math problem.
• The chef demonstrated cooking a traditional dish.

Interpret

“Interpret” is used to explain the meaning of something. This can include text, actions, or events. Interpreting helps others understand what something really means, especially when it is not obvious. This word is often used for poems, stories, or cultural behaviors. Using “interpret” shows that you are analyzing and explaining at a deeper level.

• He interpreted the poem for the students.
• She interpreted the painting for the visitors.
• The guide interpreted the festival traditions.

Expound

“Expound” is a formal way to explain something in detail. It is used when you want to give a full explanation of an idea or concept. Expounding helps listeners or readers understand complex topics more completely. This word is often used in education or professional contexts. It shows careful thought and clear reasoning.

• The professor expounded on the theory for an hour.
• He expounded his ideas during the conference.
• She expounded the benefits of the new system.

Present

“Present” means to show or explain something formally. You often use this word when speaking in front of a group or giving information professionally. Presenting involves both explaining and showing. It helps people receive information in an organized way. This word is common in business, education, and public speaking.

• She presented her ideas during the meeting.
• He presented the findings to the board.
• The student presented his project to the class.

Express

“Express” is used to show thoughts, feelings, or ideas. It is a way of explaining by communicating what you think or feel. Expressing can be done in words, writing, or actions. This word is helpful when you want to make sure others understand your emotions or opinions.

• He expressed his opinion about the movie.
• She expressed her gratitude to the teacher.
• They expressed their ideas during the discussion.

Define

“Define” means to explain the meaning of a word, term, or concept. Defining is important for understanding new ideas. When you define something, you tell others exactly what it is or how it works. This is often used in education, writing, and discussions. Defining helps remove confusion and make information precise.

• Please define the term ‘photosynthesis’.
• He defined the rules of the game.
• She defined her goals for the project.

Depict

“Depict” is used to describe or show something using words, pictures, or examples. Depicting helps others imagine and understand a situation or object. It is often used in storytelling, art, or writing. Depicting can include details about appearance, feelings, or events.

• The book depicts life in the countryside.
• The artist depicted a sunset on the canvas.
• The movie depicts the struggles of a young girl.

Clarion

“Clarion” is a word used to make something very clear or noticeable. When you clarion something, you explain it strongly so that everyone understands. It is often used in reports or speeches to highlight important points. Clarion helps remove doubt and makes communication effective.

• The report clarioned the issues in the plan.
• He clarioned the need for urgent action.
• The speaker clarioned the key problems clearly.

Illuminate

“Illuminate” means to explain something in a way that makes it easier to understand. It is often used to describe showing hidden or difficult information. Illuminating helps others see the topic more clearly. This word is common in teaching, guides, and explanations.

• The guide illuminated the steps for beginners.
• She illuminated the complex rules with examples.
• He illuminated the concept with simple illustrations.

Articulate

“Articulate” is used when someone explains ideas clearly and confidently. It is a way to show thoughts in a well-organized manner. Articulating makes communication effective and understandable. This word is often used for speaking, presenting, or writing.

• She articulated her ideas confidently.
• He articulated the reasons behind his choice.
• They articulated the steps to solve the problem.

Detail

“Detail” means to explain something by giving all small pieces of information. It helps others fully understand a topic. Detailing can include facts, steps, examples, and reasons. This word is useful in instructions, stories, and reports.

• He detailed the process for making bread.
• She detailed the plan for the event.
• The teacher detailed the steps to complete the assignment.

Outline

“Outline” is used to give the main points of something. Outlining helps others get an overview before going into details. It is useful in writing, teaching, and presentations. Outlining shows the structure and important points clearly.

• The teacher outlined the chapter quickly.
• He outlined the steps to complete the project.
• She outlined her plan for the meeting.

Report

“Report” means to give information formally about something. It is used in work, school, and news. Reporting helps others know facts and results. This word shows professional and organized communication.

• He reported the results of the experiment.
• She reported the progress of the project.
• The journalist reported the events from the scene.

Rationalize

“Rationalize” is used to explain reasons for something. It shows why a decision or action is made. Rationalizing helps others understand your thinking and choices. It can be useful in discussions, problem-solving, or justifying actions.

• She rationalized her choice to study abroad.
• He rationalized his decision to buy a new car.
• They rationalized the need for extra work hours.

Translate

“Translate” is used to explain something in another form or language. Translating helps others understand ideas, especially if the original is difficult. It can also mean making complex information more understandable.

• He translated the technical words for us.
• She translated the speech into simple steps.
• The guide translated the instructions for beginners.

Show

“Show” is used when you make something visible or understandable. Showing can include examples, actions, or demonstrations. It helps others see and understand the topic better. Showing is practical and easy to follow.

• He showed how to use the new app.
• She showed the students the correct method.
• They showed the steps of the experiment.

Justify

“Justify” means to give reasons to support something. It explains why an action or decision is correct. Justifying helps others understand your choices and ideas. It is often used in discussions, reports, and problem-solving.

• She justified her decision with facts.
• He justified his actions to the manager.
• They justified the plan with clear reasons.

Final Thoughts

Using different words for “explain” can make your communication stronger and more interesting. Words like describe, clarify, and demonstrate help you share ideas effectively. Try using these alternatives in speaking or writing for better understanding.