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

It should be built to help identify which evidence is credible; to generate the strongest competing explanations; to distinguish facts from inference and prediction; and to make uncertainty visible rather than manufacture precision. — Keren Yarhi-Milo, Time, 8 Nov. 2026

The explosion was believed to be caused by gas, but no official explanation has been given. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026

His explanations also ran counter to what the ex-staffer told the Tribune. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Another explanation could be that there's something about pelacarsen, the experimental drug, that doesn't produce a benefit. — Rob Stein, NPR, 7 Nov. 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