Definition of interpretationnext
1
2
as in version
a presentation of an artistic work (as a piece of music) from a particular point of view a sensitive interpretation of a piece that is a touchstone for violinists

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in variation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play) a very Freudian interpretation of The Nutcracker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 interpretation The most extreme interpretations of this theory could allow the president to fire any federal employee at will, ignore civil-service protections, and eliminate the independence of the Federal Reserve. Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 In that sense, perfume bottles became visual interpretations of emotion. Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026 The film ends with their relationship status open to interpretation, having previously broken up in the movie. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026 Smoky, dusky interpretations of color are on the rise. Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpretation
Noun
  • The Orioles backdrop behind the two men responsible for attempting to deliver an explanation for Saturday night’s seismic firing of Alex Cora and five coaches would have been funny if the situation hadn’t been so dire.
    Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • If Pat Riley opens that door or leaves that door open, deferring to Nick Arison on answers on Monday, then yes, further explanation would seem reasonable from the executive branch.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • We are faced with a vastly more consequential version of a Catch-22.
    Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Don’t lock into one version too soon.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • However, until it can be established by either fossil evidence or genetic variation that the trees were here before the Chumash, this possibility cannot be discounted.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Its position in the north of the valley doesn’t allow the cooling influences of the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay to reach it, making for fairly warm temperatures and decreased variation in day-to-night temperatures when compared to the rest of the valley.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Millwall was blindsided by the educational pamphlet that featured the southeast London club’s badge edited onto an illustration of a Ku Klux Klan robe.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But quantum mechanically, position and momentum can’t be simultaneously defined for any quantum of matter or energy; that’s one clear illustration of an inherent contradiction between these two frameworks for viewing the Universe.
    Big Think, Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And then there is the youth, the cost-efficient prospects who preferably would be able to grow with the next roster rendition, a pair of players with skill sets that complement.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But The Bar-B-Q Shop isn’t the only Memphis smoke joint that serves a popular rendition of this noodle dish.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On set, the assistant director translated the notes, and within seconds the cast had launched into another take.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • His lateral pursuit leaves the station on time and with a fast take-off.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • How family history plays a part in language and translation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The translation of the part of the caption written in Korean also indicated that there has been a lot of interest in the new store, along with demands to know exactly when the store would be opening.
    Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That includes a nine-RBI performance for the Triton recruit in 16-14 win over Brother Rice.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Their in-game performance needs to be better.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpretation. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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