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

Much like cast-trip destinations, there often is very little rhyme or reason to a Real Housewives theme party — so instead, production (and/or the women) are tasked with coming up with some shoehorned explanation. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025

To say nothing about the thorny question of its genre—do Eastern European writers need to provide more explanations and justifications when using the technique of autofiction? —Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025

From there, the tool offers up five colors, with explanations for how each suits the theme or prompt and links back to further information about those colors and their importance. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2025

The primary explanation is the depth of connection fans continue to feel, often across generations. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025

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