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
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Recent Examples of explanation
There are usually explanations for it.
—
Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Advertisement Local and state officials, however, have rejected that explanation.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
Horace Frank, a former LAPD assistant chief who once oversaw the department’s detectives, said there’s no simple explanation.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
In Sapezal, home to some 32,000 people, she was paid nearly 1 million reais ($178,798) to perform an hour and a half long set (this sum was so high that a judge demanded an explanation from the municipal government).
—Carolina Abbott Galvão, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Advertisement Local and state officials, however, have rejected that explanation.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
Horace Frank, a former LAPD assistant chief who once oversaw the department’s detectives, said there’s no simple explanation.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
In Sapezal, home to some 32,000 people, she was paid nearly 1 million reais ($178,798) to perform an hour and a half long set (this sum was so high that a judge demanded an explanation from the municipal government).
—Carolina Abbott Galvão, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
-
Today, however, the focus is on a broader interpretation of the spaces around these points.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Watershed Spa Minneapolis Watershed is a modern interpretation of an ancient communal bathhouse.—
Julia Sayers Gokhale,
Midwest Living,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
During pregnancy, common reasons for seeking care include early labor, bleeding, changes in fetal movement, or high blood pressure.—
MemorialCare Medical Group,
Oc Register,
10 Jan. 2026
-
One reason the design concept endures is the sink's functionality within the kitchen's larger scheme.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This was a darker point in Bowie's career, expressed by Cordell through the use of grey, black and red in his illustrations.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
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This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Barr’s unconventional campaign, meant to make an argument against gerrymandering producing deeply partisan districts, made national headlines.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Officials said an argument between the men escalated to a fight.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
All-in-one cleaning, water clarification, and voice control AquaSense X is an all-in-one cleaner across major surfaces, including walls, floors, waterlines, and water surface cleaning.—
IE Creative Studio,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Representatives for Hernández and representatives for SNL didn't immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly's request for clarification.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Jennifer Lawrence, on the other hand, is demanding an apology.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The subsequent backlash was quick online, prompting Hilton to issue an apology.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
8 Jan. 2026
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The blockchain infrastructure company scoops up a crypto accounting firm.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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To say nothing about the thorny question of its genre—do Eastern European writers need to provide more explanations and justifications when using the technique of autofiction?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
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Parise questioned the government’s financial justification for its operation in Old Irving Park, which yielded one arrest of an undocumented immigrant but had far-reaching effects on children and other residents.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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