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

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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 American Airlines has also recently begun giving travelers more detailed explanations for delays and cancellations in its app and on its website, including whether a disruption involves unscheduled maintenance. — Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026 The betrayal Murray inflicts on Tremblay’s Kaczynski is compelling, even as the film presses it into service as an explanation for every horror that followed. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026 Scientists recently set about to rule out some possible explanations for Skeleton 150’s condition. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 23 Sep. 2026 The department did not immediately respond to a request for further explanation. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

Every city, every landscape, and every community preserves its own traditions, customs, culinary heritage, and unique interpretation of beauty.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
Those comments represent the pollster’s interpretation of its findings, not responses independently volunteered by those surveyed.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

That gives Qatar a powerful reason to keep talks moving between Tehran and Washington.

— Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Dozens of people have accused Combs of playing games with their lives, sometimes for self-serving business reasons, other times for his own amusement.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

Along with sizable paintings from iconic American artists such as Norman Rockwell and Frida Kahlo, the museum features galleries with comic books, manga, and other illustrations that have historically been viewed only between paper pages.

— Nava Rawls, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
George Lucas and Mellody Hobson used the night to defend their ambitious narrative art museum, arguing that illustration and pop culture belong alongside masterworks as legitimate, emotionally resonant art.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

According to Faxon, the next step in the claim proceedings will continue to center around the argument made by the Attorney General’s Office.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
But unlike the black hole argument, AdS/CFT is essentially a mathematical fact about gravity and quantum mechanics with no alternative interpretation.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

Lim was in the Oval Office with other reporters trying to get clarification.

— Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026
The Hollywood Reporter reached out to Beckinsale’s rep for clarification on the posts, but did not hear back at the time of publication.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of clarification

Noun

While the rest of the table is encouraging growth and forgiveness, Meredith is refusing to budge, completely stonewalling this apology and completely willing to die on this hill.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
And yes, the internet — and the virtue-signaling media — got so outraged by it, that Manning, and Sarkisian, were forced to issue apologies.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of apology

Noun

One service might handle payments, another accounting, another digital ownership records, and another the movement or settlement of financial assets.

— Karen Koehler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 2026
Property accounting should be closely connected to property operations.

— David Crown, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Fight over her heart condition The government also directly challenges Flores’ medical justification for release.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
British officials continue to reference the British Museum Act 1963, which prohibits deaccessioning items from its collection, as justification for holding onto the ancient artifacts.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

explains away

explanation

explanations

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“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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