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

This Dutchman has yet to read a better explanation for what makes the nation of his birth tick. —Leander Schaerlaeckens june 8, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

Pasandideh said they were not given an explanation as to why some of the visas were not issued. —Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026

For decades, hormones have been whispered about in relation to mood swings, menopause or, more often, used as a catch-all explanation for women being somehow too emotional. —Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 7 June 2026

Tom’s insistence on finding semi-plausible, scientific explanations for the island’s paranormal activity — especially the infamous Sea Hag in episode three — ultimately comes from a well-meaning, albeit misguided, place. —Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 7 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