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

About a month later, Airbus released a statement offering an explanation of the incident. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025

Here’s my Thursday Dolphins piece on Anthony Weaver’s explanation for a few defensive personnel changes. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

But Sage was simply not having any of Yellow Sophie's explanation. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025

Instead, without explanation, prosecutors on Wednesday filed a motion to dismiss the original criminal complaint against Griffin without prejudice, giving them the option to refile charges at a later date. —Todd Feurer, CBS News, 3 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