Thesaurus results for EXPLANATION

explanation

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of explanation

as in interpretation

a statement that makes something clear an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand

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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

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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 While there has been no official explanation, the changes appear to be part of a broader push to find and remove road safety materials from the FHWA website. — Joel Rose, NPR, 23 July 2026 But ultimately, Roman said, the best explanations transcend specific administrations. — ABC News, 23 July 2026 No final decision has been made, and there may be legitimate explanations for the activity identified. — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Again, some of those explanations may be true, but when the explanation becomes defensiveness, the learning processes stop. — Basel Tarab, STAT, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

There are a lot of weird interpretations like this in the final rounds.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 July 2026
Those discussions often uncovered ambiguities in documentation or policy interpretation that would never have surfaced through technical testing alone.

— Arpan Saxena, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Perhaps the most striking illustration involves a private intelligence firm staffed largely by former Israeli military and intelligence officers.

— David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
An Emily Henry novel announces warmth, wit, emotional accessibility, and optimism through bright palettes, graphic illustration, and playful typography.

— Madelyn Johnson, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

Many experts acknowledge there are legitimate arguments for using cloning in conservation, and for gene selection in farming.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Final efforts to spare his life After Andres’ death verdict, several Death Row inmates sung Andres’ praises in his Spencer hearing, where his attorneys presented final arguments in the hopes of saving Andres from the death penalty.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

Based on the reaction, Skubal wanted to make a clarification on his MRI decision.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 24 July 2026
The Washington Examiner contacted Lindell after the initial interview for clarification on his comments on a pathway to citizenship.

— Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 24 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

Those targeted for elimination are often starved of resources, forced to operate on bare-bones budgets until the neglect feeds the very justification for their closure.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
Margins are tight, investment justification is hard and operators are measured on today's sales, today's inventory and today's competition.

— Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

explains away

explanation

explanations

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Style

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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