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 But looking for some sort of explanation or path for your favorite team to follow is insane. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 Woods’ explanation is essentially that both researchers and hunters are right. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2026 There was little explanation needed about what the company actually did. — Jane Miller, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 Political hyperbole Abel Carvajal, an FIU law student suspended for two years over his involvement in the chats, offered a similar explanation of the offensive messages. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 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
  • Concurrent with these updates, ZDHC published a PFAS position paper and practical interpretations, which reinforces the organization’s position against the intentional use of the substances in the textile, apparel, leather and footwear supply chain.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Given some of the uncertainty that can result as social media discussions make spot interpretations of data, producers expect to use new graphics and standards to make races easier to understand.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Officials, for example, have not explained whether Young’s administrative leave was related to allegations against him personally, his supervisory responsibilities or another reason.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Catalan capital has been a popular destination for decades, and with good reason.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • In this photo illustration, the logo of company Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is displayed on a smartphone in front of abstract background on computer screen.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
  • If there’s a golden ratio for success in the fashion business, its illustration might resemble a tetrahedron.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • The short, sharp argument in the MacNeil kitchen is an example of the upstairs demon pervading all bodies through hate.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The industry’s compliance standards have already made this argument for us.
    — Rohit Dhamankar, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Despite our best efforts, there will undoubtedly be further clarifications and refinements that need to be made particularly within sub-teams that will need to be more specifically re-aligned to this new structure.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Despite our best efforts, there will undoubtedly be further clarifications and refinements that need to be made, particularly within sub-teams that will need to be more specifically realigned to this new structure.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of clarification
Noun
  • China’s state broadcaster CCTV has warned that Mbappé’s apology will ultimately be judged by his actions.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
  • To appease the public, Tribune editors printed two Annie strips — plus a front-page apology.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of apology
Noun
  • Kathy Gill-Charest, EVP, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer, will lead global controllership, including accounting, financial reporting and internal controls for all divisions.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Amortization – a financial accounting tool to spread out the timing of expenses – will help Fox limit the financial hit if Milwaukee wraps things up in five games, the report argues.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of accounting
Noun
  • The department did not respond to a request to share its legal justification for ignoring the Biden-era changes.
    — Cory Turner, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
  • All three said West Point appears to be circumventing the judge's ruling by using a different justification to continue to enforce its speech rules.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 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 Nov. 2026.

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