Synonyms of explanation

explanation

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

as in interpretation

a statement that makes something clear

an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interpretation
• illustration
• clarification
• explication
• translation
• analysis
• elucidation
• construction
• definition
• exegesis
• exposition
• reasoning
• illumination
• demonstration
• road map
• comment
• restatement
• commentary
• justification
• paraphrase
• rationale
• meaning
• annotation
• decoding
• gloss
• enlightenment
• deciphering
• rationalization
• edification
• warning
• caveat
• enactment
• epexegesis
• disentanglement
• unscrambling
• caution

2

as in reason

a statement given to explain a belief or act

when questioned by authorities, the students were at a loss for an explanation for their senseless vandalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reason
• argument
• apology
• accounting
• justification
• rationale
• excuse
• case
• account
• defense
• vindication
• appeal
• alibi
• plea
• apologia
• rationalization
• pretext
• pretense
• guise
• pretence

Examples of explanation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though both Kaplan and Murthy do like horror movies—Scream and Child’s Play got shout-outs—there’s a more practical explanation for Ghost’s name. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024

Despite vows to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict before his inauguration day, if elected, Trump offers no explanation as to how—besides uncomfortable inferences of his close relationship with Putin. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Stephen Henriques, TIME, 15 Oct. 2024

Here are the main differences: Disappearance: Ghosting includes permanently cutting communication and the connection without an explanation, while submarining includes resurfacing after some time away. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 Oct. 2024

That was very unexpected, and at present, there are no hydrodynamic explanations. —New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2024