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 Aaron McCarter, investigator-in-charge with the National Transportation Safety Board, said there is not an immediate explanation for Wednesday's fatal collision that killed the pilot of the small aircraft and injured two state troopers. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 Plant-specific physics explanations could also appear during training sessions. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026 His gait appeared to be normal, and no explanation was immediately provided. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 Nearly six months into this war, what's the administration's explanation for what success actually looks like? — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 19 Aug. 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
  • When an agent misreads it, that interpretation can shape campaigns, seller outreach, budget decisions and workflows across the revenue organization.
    — Kelly Hopping, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Theosophy’s principal binary, though on the surface abstract, lent itself rather quickly to an erotic interpretation.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Requiring personnel to document a legitimate law-enforcement reason and associated case number before conducting a license-plate search.
    — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The intense interest in the case is one reason why her lawyers are pushing for a retrial – the town was so crowded that at one stage jury members shared a hotel with the prosecution team and an informant.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • In this photo illustration, the stock market information of Synchrony Financial displayed on a smartphone while the logo of Synchrony Financial seen in the background.
    — Hugh Son, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • His reinstatement as judge after Assad was toppled and fled the country for Russia in December 2024 is an illustration of the country’s pursuit of transitional justice.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • The people making many of these arguments have evident wealth and social privilege.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Trailing 5-1, Webb departed with two outs in the third without argument.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Welker pushed back on that claim, prompting further clarification from the attorney general.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026
  • However, time spent waiting for clarification on the rules also eats into the 90-day window.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of clarification
Noun
  • After four days of business, owner Nate Lindskoog, who also runs Nampa’s Tower Grill, posted a sort of thank you/apology video.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 18 Aug. 2026
  • If you get attacked in a city, the city should send you an apology email.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of apology
Noun
  • George Newcomb, who is serving as interim CFO, will continue in his role as controller and chief accounting officer.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The going concern disclosure is based on a forward-looking technical accounting analysis which considers only funding that has been unconditionally secured as of the date of the assessment.
    — CBS Chicago Team, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of accounting
Noun
  • That isn’t justification to bypass the same requirement the residents already demanded.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
  • By portraying white people as under attack or unfairly displaced, these narratives transform social change into a story of persecution and provide a powerful justification for political mobilization.
    — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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