explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

declined without any explanation

The company offered little by way of explanation for the problems. [=as a way of explaining why there were problems]

2

: something that explains

The professor's explanation was that the poem was really a parody.

Synonyms of explanation

• interpretation
• illustration
• clarification

Examples of explanation in a Sentence

The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Espeland offers a technical explanation. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Doyle allegedly pocketed most of the proceeds while feeding Matthiesen a string of false explanations about why payment had never arrived. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026

So if the outcomes are that lopsided and ability isn't the explanation, the explanation is bias. — Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

That project is due July 24 after shifting without explanation from its original June 26 release date. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for explanation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: a statement that makes something clear