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

Hegseth has aggressively moved to reshape the military's senior ranks, removing or sidelining more than two dozen senior officers, without explanation, including a number of women and minorities. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

No explanation on the decision was included, and no dissents were noted. — Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026

The site does not allow for any explanations, and the airline denied both requests. — Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

One day, Khalil’s aunt was working at a nonprofit; the next, the office was raided and his aunt was sent to prison without explanation. — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 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