Let’s be honest, we all fall into the habit of saying “in other words” way too often. Whether you’re explaining something, writing an essay, or just trying to sound clear, that little phrase tends to pop up again and again. The problem? Overusing it can make your writing or speech sound repetitive and dull.
That’s where this guide steps in. I’ve rounded up 25 creative and powerful alternatives to “in other words” that will make your explanations feel fresh, confident, and natural. Each synonym adds a slightly different tone, some are formal, others conversational, but all help you express ideas more precisely.
By the end of this post, you’ll not only know new words but also how and when to use them. So if you’re ready to level up your vocabulary and make your writing or conversations sound smarter and more engaging, keep reading — your communication glow-up starts here.
Best Synonyms for “In Other Words”
1. To Put It Simply
Meaning:
This phrase makes your point easier to understand. It’s great when you want to explain something complicated in plain language.
Examples:
- To put it simply, gravity pulls everything toward the Earth.
- The project failed because, to put it simply, we didn’t plan well.
- To put it simply, he’s the glue that keeps the team together.
- The answer, to put it simply, is yes.
- To put it simply, this idea changes everything.
Why It Works:
It feels friendly and approachable. It signals that you care about making your message clear, not complicated.
2. That Is to Say
Meaning:
A more formal alternative often used in writing or professional discussions. It helps clarify or restate something more precisely.
Examples:
- We’ll meet after lunch — that is to say, around 1 p.m.
- She’s an introvert; that is to say, she recharges by being alone.
- The budget is tight, that is to say, we need to cut costs.
- He’s a minimalist — that is to say, he keeps only what he needs.
- They’re cautious, that is to say, they think before acting.
Why It Works:
It sounds polished and professional. Perfect for essays, formal talks, or business writing.
3. Simply Put
Meaning:
A short and natural phrase used to make your message sound direct and easy to grasp.
Examples:
- Simply put, hard work pays off.
- Simply put, we need to try harder next time.
- Simply put, she’s the best person for the job.
- Simply put, that plan won’t work.
- Simply put, it’s a win-win situation.
Why It Works:
It’s quick, modern, and fits any situation — from casual talk to formal writing.
4. To Clarify
Meaning:
Use this when you want to make your point clearer or correct a misunderstanding.
Examples:
- To clarify, I didn’t say we’re canceling — I said we’re postponing.
- To clarify, the meeting starts at 10, not 9.
- To clarify, this option is for members only.
- To clarify, I’m not mad — I’m just disappointed.
- To clarify, you need both documents to complete the process.
Why It Works:
It helps prevent confusion and shows that you care about precision and understanding.
5. In Simple Terms
Meaning:
Ideal for breaking down complex topics into easy explanations.
Examples:
- In simple terms, the economy works like a giant marketplace.
- In simple terms, DNA is a recipe for building life.
- In simple terms, he’s asking for trust.
- In simple terms, success means showing up every day.
- In simple terms, the law protects both sides.
Why It Works:
It makes complex information relatable and digestible for any audience.
6. Put Another Way
Meaning:
Perfect for restating an idea in a different or clearer form.
Examples:
- Put another way, success is a series of small wins.
- Put another way, the issue is lack of focus.
- Put another way, love is understanding without judgment.
- Put another way, we need to rethink our approach.
- Put another way, time is our most valuable resource.
Why It Works:
It sounds natural and fits both spoken and written English seamlessly.
7. To Rephrase
Meaning:
A straightforward word for restating something in a new way.
Examples:
- To rephrase, the main goal is growth, not speed.
- To rephrase, she wants clarity, not chaos.
- To rephrase, this is not about blame but solutions.
- To rephrase, the point is to work smarter.
- To rephrase, we should focus on results.
Why It Works:
It sounds neat and professional. Great for discussions or editing your own writing.
Read More: Other Ways to Say “Experience” (With Meanings & Examples)
8. Let Me Put It This Way
Meaning:
A conversational and warm phrase that adds personality when explaining something.
Examples:
- Let me put it this way — he’s not the easiest to work with.
- Let me put it this way — you won’t regret saying yes.
- Let me put it this way — they underestimated her.
- Let me put it this way — this deal is once in a lifetime.
- Let me put it this way — you’ll thank me later.
Why It Works:
It feels human, direct, and adds storytelling flavor to your speech.
9. What I Mean Is
Meaning:
Used when you want to restate or emphasize your point during a conversation.
Examples:
- What I mean is, we should start smaller.
- What I mean is, she’s tough but fair.
- What I mean is, the system needs updating.
- What I mean is, it’s not too late to fix this.
- What I mean is, you deserve better.
Why It Works:
It adds a personal and emotional tone, showing you’re clarifying your thoughts genuinely.
10. To Put It Differently
Meaning:
An elegant phrase for rewording something in a different light.
Examples:
- To put it differently, failure is just a lesson in disguise.
- To put it differently, we’re changing direction, not quitting.
- To put it differently, life’s about progress, not perfection.
- To put it differently, communication builds connection.
- To put it differently, it’s time to evolve.
Why It Works:
It adds style and sophistication, ideal for writers and professionals.
11. To Explain It Better
Meaning:
Use this when you want to make your idea clearer or more understandable. It’s great for teaching, storytelling, or guiding someone through a concept.
Examples:
- To explain it better, think of your brain as a computer.
- To explain it better, we’re like pieces of a bigger puzzle.
- To explain it better, saving money is like planting seeds for the future.
- To explain it better, emotions work like signals on a dashboard.
- To explain it better, teamwork is fuel for success.
Why It Works:
It shows you care about clarity and helps your listener visualize your message with ease.
12. To Be Clear
Meaning:
This phrase adds confidence and directness. Use it when you want to avoid confusion or emphasize your main point.
Examples:
- To be clear, I’m not blaming anyone.
- To be clear, the meeting is tomorrow morning.
- To be clear, we’re still on track for launch.
- To be clear, I support the plan.
- To be clear, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Why It Works:
It’s short, assertive, and works perfectly in both conversations and written communication.
13. Basically
Meaning:
A relaxed and friendly word that summarizes or simplifies an idea. Common in casual talk or simple explanations.
Examples:
- Basically, it means start small and grow big.
- Basically, he’s saying we need more time.
- Basically, it’s a shortcut to success.
- Basically, she just wants honesty.
- Basically, the app makes life easier.
Why It Works:
It’s conversational, easy to use, and instantly makes your message sound natural and approachable.
14. To Put It Bluntly
Meaning:
This phrase adds honesty and boldness. Use it when you want to state the truth without sugarcoating it.
Examples:
- To put it bluntly, the plan failed.
- To put it bluntly, he’s not ready for this job.
- To put it bluntly, we need a new strategy.
- To put it bluntly, you deserve more credit.
- To put it bluntly, we can’t afford another mistake.
Why It Works:
It’s confident and clear. Great for when honesty matters more than politeness.
15. In Layman’s Terms
Meaning:
This one’s perfect when you’re explaining something technical in a way anyone can understand.
Examples:
- In layman’s terms, AI is just a tool that learns patterns.
- In layman’s terms, the heart is a pump for your body.
- In layman’s terms, the internet is a network of connected computers.
- In layman’s terms, inflation means things cost more.
- In layman’s terms, coding is telling a computer what to do.
Why It Works:
It makes you sound like a good communicator who can simplify complex ideas for everyone.
16. To Summarize
Meaning:
Used to wrap up your thoughts or highlight the main takeaway.
Examples:
- To summarize, we’ve learned teamwork boosts results.
- To summarize, the project was a learning experience.
- To summarize, good habits build great outcomes.
- To summarize, everyone has a role to play.
- To summarize, preparation is key to success.
Why It Works:
It neatly signals closure or emphasis — perfect for writing, teaching, or public speaking.
17. Meaning That
Meaning:
A quick way to restate or clarify your previous sentence in a simpler form.
Examples:
- He’s allergic to nuts, meaning that we can’t serve peanut snacks.
- She’s self-employed, meaning that she manages her own schedule.
- It rained all day, meaning that the event got canceled.
- He forgot, meaning that we’ll need to remind him.
- The prices went up, meaning that sales might drop.
Why It Works:
It connects ideas naturally and helps your reader or listener follow your train of thought.
18. Essentially
Meaning:
A concise and smart synonym that captures the “core idea” of something.
Examples:
- Essentially, kindness costs nothing but changes everything.
- Essentially, we’re all after the same goal.
- Essentially, this project is about growth.
- Essentially, it’s a simple fix.
- Essentially, success is built on persistence.
Why It Works:
It sounds intelligent and polished — perfect for essays, blogs, or formal writing.
19. To Put It Plainly
Meaning:
Another friendly and simple phrase that makes your explanation feel honest and clear.
Examples:
- To put it plainly, we made a mistake.
- To put it plainly, she’s right.
- To put it plainly, we need more time.
- To put it plainly, the plan didn’t work.
- To put it plainly, he’s not telling the truth.
Why It Works:
It adds sincerity and helps you sound straightforward without being harsh.
20. That Means
Meaning:
Used to clarify what something implies or leads to.
Examples:
- The deadline moved up — that means less time to finish.
- He’s out sick — that means we’ll cover his shift.
- Prices dropped — that means we can save money.
- You passed — that means you’re moving forward.
- It snowed — that means no school today.
Why It Works:
It’s simple, relatable, and connects ideas naturally in everyday conversation.
21. To Put It Briefly
Meaning:
This phrase is great for summarizing your main point quickly and effectively.
Examples:
- To put it briefly, we succeeded.
- To put it briefly, the team nailed it.
- To put it briefly, it was a tough year.
- To put it briefly, we learned a lot.
- To put it briefly, everything worked out.
Why It Works:
It keeps your message short and clear while sounding confident and professional.
22. To Restate
Meaning:
Use this when you want to repeat an idea in slightly different words for clarity.
Examples:
- To restate, the goal is quality over quantity.
- To restate, we need clearer communication.
- To restate, this isn’t about blame.
- To restate, we’re focusing on growth.
- To restate, the plan remains the same.
Why It Works:
It’s simple, formal, and ensures your listener fully understands your message.
23. In Short
Meaning:
A nice way to wrap up or simplify your thoughts. Common in both writing and speech.
Examples:
- In short, we did our best.
- In short, it’s not as easy as it looks.
- In short, the system needs improvement.
- In short, we learned something valuable.
- In short, it’s worth the effort.
Why It Works:
It makes your communication concise and impactful, perfect for conclusions or summaries.
24. In a Nutshell
Meaning:
A friendly idiom that means “in summary” or “in simple terms.”
Examples:
- In a nutshell, the project was a success.
- In a nutshell, we need to improve teamwork.
- In a nutshell, she’s a natural leader.
- In a nutshell, life is about balance.
- In a nutshell, we’re starting fresh.
Why It Works:
It sounds casual yet smart — a great way to summarize without sounding stiff.
25. The Point Is
Meaning:
A clear and assertive way to emphasize your main idea or takeaway.
Examples:
- The point is, you can do it.
- The point is, we learned something new.
- The point is, don’t give up too soon.
- The point is, it’s not about perfection.
- The point is, communication matters.
Why It Works:
It grabs attention and leaves no room for confusion — perfect for highlighting what really matters.
Conclusion
Finding other ways to say “in other words” isn’t just about sounding smarter. It’s about expressing yourself clearly, creatively, and confidently. Whether you’re writing an email, explaining an idea, or giving a speech, using the right phrase makes your message more engaging and professional.
Each synonym here adds its own flavor — some sound warm and friendly, others precise and academic. Use them to match your tone, your topic, and your audience.
So next time you catch yourself typing “in other words,” stop and think: which of these 25 phrases fits best? Try a few out, and watch your communication skills grow — naturally, clearly, and with personality.
I’m Leo Knox, the wordplay wizard behind WordsTwists.com where I turn everyday meanings into funny, clever, and creative twists. If you’re tired of saying things the boring way, I’ve got a better (and funnier) one for you!
