explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: something that explains

gave no explanation

Synonyms

• 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

The group did not offer any explanation for the building's inclusion on the list. —Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 22 Aug. 2025

From the trailers, the explanation seems to be at least some sort of dimension-hopping shenanigans that will transplant the cast from one universe to another, or at least clone them and their experiences. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Others, however, didn't buy that explanation, positing instead that Paramount, which was hoping for approval of a merger from the Trump Administration's FCC, bent the knee to the president to grease the wheels. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025

Researchers quickly set to work to find out which explanation was true. —Jorge Garay, Wired News, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing explanation

• by way of explanation

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