Thesaurus results for EXPLANATION

explanation

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of explanation

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

Relevance

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of explanation Controlling when memory fades The findings offer a physical explanation for how a neuristor can retain information about previous electrical activity without requiring a separate conventional memory component. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026 Six weeks, the equivalent of six months in AI processing time, passed before OpenAI’s leadership published a full technical explanation of the Hugging Face penetration and proposed necessary fixes. — John Caruso, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026 More than twenty years later, that explanation beggared belief. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 When asked by Kyiv for an explanation, US officials blamed the weather. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

The oversize everyday bag continues to dominate, particularly in supple suede finishes, while mini and micro bags remain relevant through playful interpretations featuring embroidery, charms and decorative details.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
For Smith and others like him, competing interpretations have created a high-stakes legal limbo.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Here, Benavidez Clayton dives into the reasons behind BCI’s regenerative push, why social impact is a critical piece of the puzzle and how brands can get involved.

— SJ Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is a treasure, and a public good Arkansans have reason to support.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

Her work combines music, illustration, animation and fashion.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
But the Iran example – and particularly the ongoing episodic closures of the Strait of Hormuz – is one of the best illustrations today of how merely invoking credibility to act is not the same as having an overall endgame strategy.

— Christopher Nichols, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

But Lugo concurred with Teymouri’s argument that the family’s extreme wealth and potential risk of flight required her to set a high bail.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
The argument is designed to provide cover for the dehumanizing policies of the administration against immigrants and their families.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

Fox News Digital reached out to Cornell University Police and the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office for clarification.

— Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
The White House did not respond to a request for clarification about Zacharia’s Fox News claim.

— Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of clarification

Noun

This apology comes just days after Smith appeared to poke fun at the aforementioned Johnson, now a former Philadelphia Eagles lineman, retiring midseason to focus on his mental health in the midst of the Birds' struggles.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
But when customers already know something went wrong, an apology can signal warmth and honesty.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of apology

Noun

The main issue concerned Clinco’s accounting records used to determined how much of their income to tax.

— Kaitlin Newkirk, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
And the company's website advertises services beyond distribution, including product development, marketing, leasing, customer relations and accounting.

— Monika Evstatieva, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Such well-being is appealed to only as a smokescreen for the argument's true purpose, the justification of the administration's policies toward immigrants.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
In doing so, defending their life felt like something akin to murder, despite her justification.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

explains away

explanation

explanations

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Style

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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