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

Doctors have determined that her illness isn't genetic, making environmental exposure a likely explanation for it. —Liz Neporent, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025

The judge also questioned Turnage’s explanations, or lack thereof, for his failure to stop the situation or report it to authorities. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 26 Aug. 2025

At the time, the FCC gave the providers 14 days to submit an explanation or remedy the problem. —PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2025

This was the storyline explanation to write him off of television for his surgery. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 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