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

One possible explanation for CCOs is that their magnetic fields are too weak to produce detectable radio jets. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 6 July 2026

Privacy advocates were not happy with the explanation, though, warning that the code is evidence that Anthropic is willing to cross lines to surveil users. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026

Even the appearance of corruption, absent a compelling explanation to the contrary is ultimately an obstacle to that aim. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

After a little explanation, the cocktail names usually click, building the anticipation. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 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