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
Handshakes and High Fives You won’t find a better explanation of the 2025 Mets than this autopsy from Tim Britton and Will Sammon.
—
Levi Weaver, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Seeking an explanation for this unexpected setback, Army Special Operations reached out in 2021 to my lab at Ohio State University.
—Angus Fletcher, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025
Despite the inherent drama and sadness of the entire situation, Punch too often feels like a PSA for the restorative justice procedure, with lots of exposition and step-by-step procedural instructions that, frankly, don’t really need so much explanation.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
His mental health condition is the only reason that police can find for a potential explanation.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Levi Weaver, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Seeking an explanation for this unexpected setback, Army Special Operations reached out in 2021 to my lab at Ohio State University.
—Angus Fletcher, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025
Despite the inherent drama and sadness of the entire situation, Punch too often feels like a PSA for the restorative justice procedure, with lots of exposition and step-by-step procedural instructions that, frankly, don’t really need so much explanation.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
His mental health condition is the only reason that police can find for a potential explanation.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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Scholarly interpretations abound as to what Apepi was trying to achieve.—
Vanessa Taylor,
Big Think,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The artists were challenged to create their own interpretations of time.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There are a few reasons for this.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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Trump has leaned heavily on the courts during his second term to challenge media outlets, but as of Wednesday night, the president’s legal team has not brought a new lawsuit against ABC, for predictable reasons, according to experts.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Names have been changed and illustrations are anonymous to ensure their safety.—
Carlotta Dotto,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
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The photograph—one of a series of some 52 large and 101 smaller stereo views Gardner made around the fort—appears as a seemingly self-explanatory illustration in books about the Indian Wars.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even if a dissenting perspective isn’t correct or better, dissent brings different views to the fore so that they can be debated, and that improves and sharpens arguments, options and outcomes.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Twin Cities,
26 Sep. 2025
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Be careful of triggering an argument.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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McClatchy News reached out to authorities for clarification and did not immediately hear back.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Sep. 2025
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The clarification comes after a Daily Beast report circulated over the weekend claiming that Harry had registered Archie at Eton, a boarding school widely expected to welcome Prince George next year.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Conservatives see no apology from Jimmy Kimmel Dana Loesch, the Trump-supporting voice of gun rights activism, was not impressed by Jimmy Kimmel's return.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
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Last week, the right-leaning Sinclair demanded an apology from Kimmel as well as a financial donation to Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
Noel Cymone Walker,
StyleCaster,
25 Sep. 2025
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Light isn't the only startup out there using AI to streamline companies' finance and accounting processes.—
Ryan Browne,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The probes could be used as justification for fresh sectoral tariffs aimed at boosting domestic production of goods deemed critical to national security.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
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Independent estimates suggest millions could lose coverage if credits expire, as higher costs push healthier individuals out of the risk pool and compound insurer pricing, a dynamic reflected in carrier justifications to state regulators.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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