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
What are your thoughts on the administration’s explanations for going to war with Iran?
—
Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
However, this explanation might not tell the whole story.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 2026
The Vienna Convention allows countries to declare diplomatic personnel as persona non grata without explanation.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
No toppings and no explanations.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
However, this explanation might not tell the whole story.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 2026
The Vienna Convention allows countries to declare diplomatic personnel as persona non grata without explanation.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
No toppings and no explanations.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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Modern Deco interpretations can lean a bit more minimalist, but often still include bold colors.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
10 Mar. 2026
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For more than a century, that interpretation shaped both textbook and casual medical wisdom.—
Lilia Goncharova,
The Conversation,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The reasons for this are manifold, but include the fact that the Academy’s directors’ branch, which decides on the nominations, is still predominantly male, and has historically overlooked the work of women.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
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Mansfield Summit Coach Emund Pritchett said the program lost 7 players from last year’s team for various reasons, but some could’ve been back.—
Cody Thorn,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Shopping market editor Kate McGregor is a sucker for Liz Rowland’s quirky illustrations.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
6 Mar. 2026
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Effler is best known for creating the annual Bockfest posters and illustrations.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There have also been arguments that having more daylight hours benefits public safety and health.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
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According to initial police reports, dozens of people were inside the bar attending a party when an argument broke out between some attendees.—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The committee asked for clarification on those dates, believing there's a possible deadline in April.—
Dennis Valera,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
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Garza's office did not respond to questions seeking clarification.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown rejected Beverly Hills’ apology after police shut down his private All-Star Weekend event, citing financial and reputational harm.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Yang and Rogers faced backlash for these comments, both posting public apologies on social media shortly after fans took issue with what some argued was racially motivated criticism.—
Faith Bugenhagen,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Burkle argues Anderson committed multimillion-dollar fraud at the companies Burkle invested in and is seeking damages, the release of accounting records and restitution.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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But China is far from dependent on Tehran, with Iranian oil accounting for only about 13% of China’s total oil imports.—
Janis Mackey Frayer,
NBC news,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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While the legal justification for these new duties—which the president wants to up to 15 percent in the near future—is shaky, Section 122 is just one tool in the administration’s arsenal.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Mar. 2026
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And the original justifications given was the nuclear threat and those kinds of things—all of them have just sort of fallen by the wayside.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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