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 The series uses Duke’s boxing background solely as an explanation for his superhuman ability to murder people. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 July 2026 Ramirez’s temporary leave of absence and concurrent explanation take place on the heels of other more obfuscated medical leaves that have unfolded this summer. — Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 Three market watchers looked at the same week and came away with three different explanations as to why this might be. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 July 2026 O'Dea did not dispute CNBC's interpretation or provide another explanation for the interest in Executive Branch. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 30 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
  • Owner Tony Choe’s interpretation of onigiri is far from traditional, using both white and purple sushi rice to surround fillings of spicy tuna, sweet corn and Spam.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders must recognize that words carry historical and emotional weight, often leading to unintended interpretations by employees.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • There is no longer a reason to build in room for a counter that may never come.
    — Chris Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • And the reasons may be rooted as much in Southerners’ attitudes about being overweight as in their diets and exercise patterns.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • In this photo illustration, the logo of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is displayed on a smartphone in front of abstract background on computer screen.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There is no better illustration of speechlessness being deployed as a weapon, forcing the loquacious, as if at gunpoint, to fill the void with words.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • During the primary, the former Fox News host repeatedly made a different argument.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • According to Darby Township Police, the shooting happened after an argument between two customers inside the store in Glenolden.
    — Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Fox News Digital reached out to ICE for clarification regarding the circumstances of Ordonez-Cruz's arrest but did not immediately receive a response.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Boeke’s statement of clarification was reported by the Washington Post.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026
Definition of clarification
Noun
  • Harry also reached a settlement with the publisher of The Sun last January, which paid an eight-figure sum in damages and issued an apology acknowledging unlawful actions.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • Barrow County Sheriff's Office Investigator Jason Smith returned to the stand briefly on July 27 and testified that investigators directed Gray to write apology letters to family members of his victims as part of their interrogation.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of apology
Noun
  • Unlike financing expenses, the cost of waiting rarely appears in accounting records.
    — Michael Shribman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Under the previous accounting regime, the $50 billion guidance for Q1 capex would appear to be a steeper increase from Q4’s $41 billion.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of accounting
Noun
  • As the economy becomes a flashpoint for the November midterms, many of these candidates and voters who support them are citing religion as a justification for their positions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Its inability to thrive was then offered as the justification for never building one.
    — Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 31 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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