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
Relevance
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
Handshakes and High Fives You won’t find a better explanation of the 2025 Mets than this autopsy from Tim Britton and Will Sammon.
—
Levi Weaver, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Seeking an explanation for this unexpected setback, Army Special Operations reached out in 2021 to my lab at Ohio State University.
—Angus Fletcher, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025
Despite the inherent drama and sadness of the entire situation, Punch too often feels like a PSA for the restorative justice procedure, with lots of exposition and step-by-step procedural instructions that, frankly, don’t really need so much explanation.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
His mental health condition is the only reason that police can find for a potential explanation.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Levi Weaver, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Seeking an explanation for this unexpected setback, Army Special Operations reached out in 2021 to my lab at Ohio State University.
—Angus Fletcher, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025
Despite the inherent drama and sadness of the entire situation, Punch too often feels like a PSA for the restorative justice procedure, with lots of exposition and step-by-step procedural instructions that, frankly, don’t really need so much explanation.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
His mental health condition is the only reason that police can find for a potential explanation.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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Each artist created their own interpretations of Jacobs’ signature silhouettes, ranging from the Tote Bag and Snapshot to ready-to-wear, accessories and wallets, through the lens of joy as wearable fashions.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
2 Oct. 2025
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Modern interpretations of inns layer rustic charm with contemporary finishes.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Voters also tend to lean more nationalist and conservative during economic downturns, said Hajime Kidera, a professor at Meiji University’s School of Political Science and Economics – which is one reason Abe was so popular during the post-recession early 2010s.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
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The executive branch does not normally use the shutdown as a reason for layoffs.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The final play of the third quarter had served as a perfect illustration of the struggles the second-year quarterback and the Broncos had to that point Sunday.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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The rest of the issues appear in order of publication, complete with their covers—the front usually an illustration set against a single vibrant color, the back often an elegant monochrome photograph by Stacey Sheehan.—
Jo Livingstone,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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McNeill said one argument in favor of the EV sector continuing to grow is the vehicles’ increasing utility far beyond transportation.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
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Here's a look at both arguments.—
Todd Spangler,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The American Academy of Ophthalmology has clarification on the matter, citing dry eyes as a factor but discounting blue light as a cause for eye strain.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
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While the clarification on Harrell’s status answers the most frequent inquiry, there are still plenty of injury updates, win probability, and roster construction questions to go around.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As part of a plea agreement, prosecution was deferred on an additional charge for menacing so long as White commits no new violations over the next two years and satisfies a number of conditions, including issuing a public apology to the victim, Adam Weatherford.—
Josh Wood,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
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Qatar received an apology from Israel’s prime minister on Monday, along with a joint US-Israeli security guarantee that it would not be attacked again.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
2 Oct. 2025
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School board members called a special meeting to vote on hiring an accounting firm to help balance Jefferson County Public Schools' next budget.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The removal of Hill isn’t justification for a do-over, or a reason for this season being sideswiped because Hill was on the field when these Dolphins dug themselves an 0-3 hole to start the season.—
Omar Kelly
October 3,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
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During Friday's hearing, prosecutors pointed to Combs' violent behavior as a justification for a longer sentence.—
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento,
NPR,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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