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Definitions

expound

[ik-spound] / ɪkˈspaʊnd /
VERB
talk about in great detail
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clarify delineate exemplify explain explicate express illustrate set forth spell out
STRONG
comment construe describe discourse elucidate enucleate interpret present state unfold
Antonyms
STRONGEST
complicate confuse mystify obscure
STRONG
mix up refrain withhold

Usage

What are other ways to say expound? To expound is to give a methodical, detailed, scholarly explanation of something, usually Scriptures, doctrines, or philosophy: to expound the doctrine of free will. To explain is to make plain, clear, or intelligible something that is not known or understood: to explain a theory or a problem. To elucidate is to throw light on what before was dark and obscure, usually by illustration and commentary and sometimes by elaborate explanation: They asked him to elucidate his statement. To interpret is to give the meaning of something by paraphrase, by translation, or by an explanation based on personal opinion: to interpret a poem or a symbol.

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.

Pressed by show host Amy Goodman to expound, Coogler chuckled: “Um, I’d rather not say. But the attention on this project outside of a piece of art or commerce has been interesting.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

The company is set to expound on the results at Qubits 2026, a two-day conference at the end of January.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

“I therefore deprecate attempts to expound Wittgenstein’s thought as a finished thing.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

Madison that "it is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. Those who apply the rule to particular cases must, of necessity, expound and interpret the rule."

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2025

“What's that?” another judge asked, pointing at the nozzle, and I got my chance to expound on what it was for, how its dimensions were calculated, and what it did.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.