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

• clarification
• construction
• elucidation
• exegesis
• explication
• exposition
• illumination
• illustration
• interpretation
• road map

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

In the absence of an official explanation, theories have filled the void in a case that has spurred true crime podcasts and plenty of speculation, including the suggestion Kohberger was trying to impress an old professor by getting away with murder. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 17 May 2025

Betty doesn’t volunteer an explanation and Laura doesn’t ask. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025

A couple of days before Hussein’s birthday, Bibi gets fired sans explanation from her job working in the fields. —Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 16 May 2025

Comey swiftly removed his May 15 post and replaced it with an explanation hours later. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 16 May 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