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

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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 As polls show the public increasingly favoring guardrails for AI safety — and opposing data center buildouts — the White House is likely to face still more calls for an explanation of why a more transparent framework is not possible. — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Somewhat surprisingly, the AI progenitor networks, tensor clouds, and evolutionary random forests mostly agreed that WHEEP-3’s advice was helpful, though their explanations for why could not be understood by most humans. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 But Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander sought further explanation and summoned Rolfe for a meeting. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026 With little explanation earlier this year, the administration made last-minute changes to a field test of the upcoming tally. — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

This system uses deep learning algorithms to link real-time computer vision (ultrasound interpretation) directly with physical motor control.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
This partly came down to lawmakers’ interpretations of religious principles.

— Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Ray Washburne, co-chair of the Dallas host committee, said there were strong reasons for some lawmakers and candidates to pass on attending.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
Rogers did not give a specific reason for her departure from the Education Department, which was first reported by National Public Radio.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

The 300,000-square-foot Lucas Museum of Narrative Art contains 100,000 square feet of gallery space with 35 galleries organized according to theme, including adventure, motherhood, community, children’s illustrations, manga and comics.

— Brittany Levine Beckman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Instead, Hopkins advised her small business owners without the budgets for professional photographers or designers to instead opt for smaller scale illustrations or even to take their own photos on smartphones, if need be.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

Researchers discuss results, challenge assumptions, simplify arguments, and connect discoveries with earlier work.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
As has been discussed in the comments, Tyra did not return as a judge after that argument with Law earlier in the season.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

With my apologies to Cubs fans, this Brewers-Cubs rivalry is making for some really entertaining baseball.

— Jayson Stark, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Despite an on-air apology from Fox News host Jesse Watters and attempts from the network to have the lawsuit thrown out, a Delaware Superior Court judge late last month set a trial date for March 6, 2028.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of apology

Noun

But the goal here isn’t to do a full accounting of Engelbert’s missteps.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The money question At the heart of the players’ strategic offensive is a high-stakes debate over tournament accounting and overall compensation.

— Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

The administration’s justification for these orders is a statute that allows the Department of Energy (DOE) to declare an emergency in the case of wartime or a sudden shortfall in generation.

— John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Although the declaration is more symbolic than a justification for emergency powers, Lurie used the announcement to lay out his support for a package of policies to reform the city's housing crisis.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 11 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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