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

Her comments provided a window into the Supreme Court decisions that are often released with little explanation. —Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

While institutions may provide a clear explanation of their riba-free financial model, some individuals remain skeptical of their intentions. —Zoe Ligairi, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

But this explanation doesn’t account for another shift – why affluent consumers are foregoing splurges on items like designer handbags in favor of premium groceries. —Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026

There has been no further explanation of when the situation will be resolved since the memo dated March 13. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 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