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

But a fascinating 1998 study published in the International Journal of Primatology complicated this explanation. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

Then, about a week after the jury was announced, its members collectively quit, without an explanation. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 9 May 2026

What started as a simple explanation about unplugging on flights quickly turned into a comedic clash of generations when Sherry Cola’s choice of words left Harrison Ford out of the loop. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026

But the simplest explanation may also be the easiest to overlook. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 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