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

Amid an avalanche of questions about Mohamed Salah and the forward’s Liverpool future, Arne Slot gave a fascinating tactical explanation for benching the Egypt international for three straight matches. —Liam Tharme, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025

The state has offered no explanation for what might have caused the pain. —CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

But rumors have begun to spread through the town, with explanations that often drift into the realm of the mystical. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025

Bonakdar said the most likely explanation for keeping him on video is security. —Stepheny Price , Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 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