Synonyms of explanation

explanation

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

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

• interpretation
• illustration
• clarification
• explication
• translation
• analysis
• elucidation
• construction
• definition
• exegesis
• exposition
• reasoning
• illumination
• demonstration
• road map
• comment
• restatement
• commentary
• justification
• paraphrase
• rationale
• meaning
• annotation
• decoding
• gloss
• enlightenment
• deciphering
• rationalization
• edification
• warning
• caveat
• enactment
• epexegesis
• disentanglement
• unscrambling
• caution

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

• reason
• argument
• apology
• accounting
• justification
• rationale
• case
• excuse
• account
• defense
• appeal
• plea
• vindication
• alibi
• apologia
• rationalization
• pretext
• pretense
• guise

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of explanation

Smartly, Fischer and Wilson build out this community with its own strange customs, big and small, each executed without explanation, question or complaint. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

But the government never provided detailed explanations for the conclusions. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

At some point, those explanations begin to sound less like a blueprint and more like a broken record. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Giddey’s injury doesn’t affect his shooting arm, which eliminates that as a possible explanation for his sudden plummet in shot-taking. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026