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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of explanation
On January 30, the Department of Justice released the latest tranche—millions of pages of searchable documents devoid of context or explanation.
—
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Read the full story for a breakdown on what the documents and video footage show, and a separate story for an explanation on why city officials say no further material on the shooting will be released.
—Kathleen Hill, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
The online records do not provide an explanation.
—Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
There is no possible explanation other than a deliberate poisoning, European officials said, noting that the frogs are not found in Russia.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Read the full story for a breakdown on what the documents and video footage show, and a separate story for an explanation on why city officials say no further material on the shooting will be released.
—Kathleen Hill, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
The online records do not provide an explanation.
—Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
There is no possible explanation other than a deliberate poisoning, European officials said, noting that the frogs are not found in Russia.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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My protagonist, Dunya Dawood, is learning to separate the essence of Islam from the patriarchal interpretations that tend to cloud it.—
Hafsa Lodi,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
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In every sense, Fennel's interpretation is more about realizing the fantasies women project onto the gothic romance than staying faithful to the original novel.—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Lawmakers in New Mexico also cited the intense immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota as a reason to limit cooperation with ICE.—
David A. Lieb,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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While Western thought often separates the two, in Chinese culture, emotion and reason are more deeply intertwined.—
Precious Adesina,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Supporting and empowering artists The New York Times featured the dynamic, mesmerizing pop art illustrations on Blind Dates Books at the iconic Strand Bookstore in New York City.—
Jess deCourcy Hinds
February 13,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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His own story offers an illustration of this philosophy.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Robert Herman, Paul Radvany and Walt De Treaux issued their decision Saturday, a day after hearing arguments.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
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The two erupt in argument, in misunderstanding, with John confessing his anger at his lot.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The group has been advocating for such clarifications to be included in trade agreements with other Latin American nations, too.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Feb. 2026
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The clarification from Oakwood comes amid heightened scrutiny across metro Atlanta and surrounding areas over possible ICE detention expansions.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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McMillan posted an apology on his Instagram story Thursday.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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In response to Attia's apology statement, some on X have come to his defense.—
Sara Moniuszko,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Interim principal financial officer Mark Haley, meanwhile, will return to his prior role as senior vice president, controller and principal accounting officer.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Feb. 2026
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As a longtime servant of the Earnshaw and Linton families—and Wuthering Heights' primary narrator—Nelly offers a firsthand but highly biased accounting of the events of the novel.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The increasing prevalence of Black culture opened the door for the city to portray any disturbance as a justification for closing the Mines.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Feb. 2026
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Some pointed to the modern-day resurgence of antisemitism as justification for their objections.—
Jackie Hajdenberg,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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