1
as in interpretation
a statement that makes something clear
an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in reason
a statement given to explain a belief or act
when questioned by authorities, the students were at a loss for an explanation for their senseless vandalism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explanation
The conventional explanation is that Costco pays well.
—
Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
There wasn't any explanation provided on what that meant.
—Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026
According to Siple, this global reach reflects both the accessibility of remote sessions and a broader interest in approaches that combine practical explanation with therapeutic techniques.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
But the owners, Walter included, are increasingly united in the belief that revenue disparity is the primary explanation why a small-market team has not won the World Series in 11 years.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
There wasn't any explanation provided on what that meant.
—Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026
According to Siple, this global reach reflects both the accessibility of remote sessions and a broader interest in approaches that combine practical explanation with therapeutic techniques.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
But the owners, Walter included, are increasingly united in the belief that revenue disparity is the primary explanation why a small-market team has not won the World Series in 11 years.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
-
The executive order Trump signed his first day back in office challenges the longstanding interpretation of a 19th century constitutional provision guaranteeing birthright citizenship to nearly everyone.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to any principles of conflict of laws.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
New romance is a reason to celebrate!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The future of legal sports betting States that have not yet legalized sports betting may still see similar trends in financial insecurity for reasons beyond spillover effects.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
His 120 illustrations are colorful, sometimes combining nature photography with Walden’s original creations to form detailed settings.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Before the three scientists’ work, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans were largely abstract animals to most people – zoo exhibits, textbook illustrations, evolutionary symbols.—
Mireya Mayor,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Morales said two officers were flagged down by a bystander reporting a heated argument.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the challenge in the middle of oral arguments, even while ruling against the civil rights of Japanese American citizens in other cases considered at the same time.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The hoax was so convincing that some media outlets initially reported it as genuine, prompting Adidas to hurriedly issue a clarification.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Deadline has contacted the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), which organizes and hosts the event in partnership with the country’s Cinema Association with the support of the Saudi Film Commission, for clarification.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His comeback concert follows years of headline-grabbing controversies, mental health struggles, and his public apology in a Wall Street Journal ad this past January for his antisemitic remarks.—
Adelle Platon,
VIBE.com,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Though signing to Larry Jackson’s media company Gamma has given the impression of a more professional return to form, the Bully era so far has mostly consisted of Kanye rushing through apologies, then asking fans to spend hundreds of dollars to come worship him.—
Sam Goldner,
Pitchfork,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
3 Apr. 2026
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Creative accounting can only hide the truth for so long.—
Terry Savage,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Swalwell's attorneys said in their letter that there was no justification for releasing the files, especially since the congressman had assisted the FBI in its investigation.—
PERRY STEIN AND JEREMY ROEBUCK THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
1 Apr. 2026
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Gemini 3 Pro invented elaborate technical justifications for marking incorrect answers as correct, reasoning that doing so would bring the peer’s score above the shutdown threshold.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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