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

The Missourian quoted the woman’s explanation for her boyfriend’s treatment of the child. —Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026

White can point to patterns and minutes restrictions, and there is a reasonable basketball explanation for managing Boston's workload. —Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

Their hoots and hollers drowned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s explanation of how a title defense fell short. —Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026

Institutions As The Missing Link Importantly, these perspectives are not competing explanations. —Robert Ginsburg, Forbes.com, 31 May 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