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

Like too many hack politicians, Wardlaw seems long on excuses and short on explanations. —Robert Steinbuch, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026

Neither the exit nor Leon’s explanation is newsworthy. —Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

Another doctor speculated that the seven cases might have other explanations. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026

But many lawmakers, including some Republicans, said that explanation strained credulity given the scale of the mission. —Nik Popli, Time, 8 Jan. 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