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

An explanation about plasma cells’ purpose, for example, doesn’t require any context about individual circumstances; the answer will be the same regardless of your age, gender, and general health condition. —Angela Haupt, Time, 2 Oct. 2025

Facilities are no longer an excuse or explanation; the Gators rose to 12th in 247Sports’ rankings last year. —Matt Baker, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

Lindsay has never been given an explanation. —Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025

Too much traffic, too much vertigo, too many incomplete explanations because everyone was trying to feign a composure that no one, not even the most distantly related, could maintain. —Mariana Enriquez october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 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