explanation

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce explanation (audio)
Definition of explanationnext
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 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 Ferrari believes therapy can sometimes lean too heavily on affirmation and explanation without helping clients move toward meaningful change. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 15 July 2026 But when Shuler and others returned to work in February, their workflow was changed without explanation, according to The Guardian. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 15 July 2026 Veterinarians and animal behaviorists point to a range of explanations. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026 McConnell, who at 84 is only the third-oldest member of the Senate, was admitted to the hospital on June 14 with barely any explanation. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
  1. interpretation
  2. reason
  3. illustration
  4. argument
  5. clarification
  6. apology
  7. accounting
  8. justification
Noun
  • And so there’s lots of different interpretations to any lyric within the record.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 13 July 2026
  • These top-handle bags introduce a new interpretation of modern dressing, one that’s more understated and elegant.
    — Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 11 July 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The Ukrainian presidency gave no reason for the reshuffle, in which Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko also lost her job.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Scientists not involved in the study praised it but also offered some reasons to be cautious.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • In a flourish of dramatic irony usually reserved for Greek tragedies and Titanic retellings, the guide opens with an illustration in the style of a CPN, proudly proclaiming the genre’s longevity.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • Paint to paper, needle to thread—like couture, fashion illustration is a discipline of the hand.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 13 July 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • The proceedings were frequently bogged down by arguments over whether certain exhibits could be admitted into evidence and publicly broadcast via a camera in the courtroom.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The lawyers will provide their arguments related to the appeal in subsequent court filings.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • On the court ruling, the spokesperson referred me to a company clarification.
    — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Fox News Digital has reached out to the Justice Department seeking clarification about an apparent discrepancy in its announcement regarding the age of one of the alleged trafficking victims and will update this story if a response is received.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of clarification
Noun
  • Last year, ​the company posted a lengthy apology for a series of violent and antisemitic posts from Grok, placing the blame on a system update.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Being asked to name my favorite book of all time feels like way too much pressure (apologies to the asker, this newsletter’s editor).
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
Definition of apology
Noun
  • The county’s accounting staff said the abrupt change in travel plans came from the office of Anthony Rodriguez, chair of the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 15 July 2026
Definition of accounting
Noun
  • Plans for a data center in Henderson County are apparently on hold for now after the developer did not provide justification for a request to pull a maximum of nearly 2 billion gallons of water a year from Cedar Creek Lake.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
  • The activity has become its own justification, disconnected from whether any of it actually moves revenue.
    — Erhan Kaya, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

explains away
explanation
explanations
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Cite this Entry

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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