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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Lady Greyhounds’ midseason rise to prominence is as rushed as the finale’s explanation for selling out Nelson Road with a single viral video. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026 Clear explanations from insurers would foster trust and hope, helping patients and doctors feel more confident in their decisions. — Howard Wolinsky, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026 One possible explanation is that working together gives employees more opportunities to benefit from a supportive manager who mentors and offers development opportunities, while distance can offer some relief when the relationship is less favorable. — Christos Makridis, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026 The candidates vying to be Florida’s next senator have very different explanations as to why a smaller share of the state’s residents are registered to vote. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

The exact nature of the relationship between the two men is left open for interpretation, and has been publicly commented on by some involved in the production.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
The herd exposes interpretation before the leader becomes the subject of the interpretation.

— Paula Johnston, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

The reason is that sellers will give up some money to avoid the risk that a buyer’s financing falls through.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Borisov’s brainy, tender, deeply contemplative performance lends an anchoring humanity to a film that might otherwise have curdled into sourness and despair — though there’s plenty of reason for that.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

Seeking new crypto money, Christie’s and Sotheby’s cut all other legitimizing actors out of the loop with NFTs, elevating what might previously have been categorized as illustration, graphic art, or a social media meme to the status of fine art.

— Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
In colorful illustrations that are just as energetic and immersive as the text, Aaron Marin pulls the whole adventure together.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

An argument made a fortiori gives an even more convincing reason than one that has already been accepted.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026
But Hill admitted to shoving his wife Keeta Vaccaro, 30, against the wall during an argument inside their Sunny Isles condo.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

If supply chain data were instead recorded systematically and key origin information carried forward with each transaction, much like financial accounting, companies wouldn’t have to reconstruct that trail later.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Another 28% use accounting and tax software to track their finances, and 26% manage their day-to-day books but hire a professional at tax time.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

The timing raised questions about the city’s justification for limiting firefighters’ raises.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Velchik said that the government never said that the ban was solely about national security, citing another justification that the outlets failed to meet minimal journalistic standards of professionalism.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Oct. 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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