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.
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Recent Examples of explanation
Questions remain about parade security planning Kansas City Police officials have not publicly provided a detailed explanation of how the 2024 Chiefs Super Bowl rally shooting unfolded despite a large law enforcement presence.
—
Ben Wheeler
may 30, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026
That is the explanation management gave to some 17,000 workers who were instantaneously terminated after financial rescue talks failed.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Common explanations for an exit from the public eye include retirement, health issues, family obligations, and disillusion with the nature of fame.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 May 2026
Theories of how the book survived Library Manager Myles Cooper has been racking his brain for an explanation of how the book found its way home.
—Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Ben Wheeler
may 30, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026
That is the explanation management gave to some 17,000 workers who were instantaneously terminated after financial rescue talks failed.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Common explanations for an exit from the public eye include retirement, health issues, family obligations, and disillusion with the nature of fame.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 May 2026
Theories of how the book survived Library Manager Myles Cooper has been racking his brain for an explanation of how the book found its way home.
—Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
-
Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
And what do the fates of these men say about how and through whom the show defines audacity — a word that has two different interpretations and uses?—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
There’s a good reason that rooms come with binoculars because there is almost too much action to scope.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
That depth was part of the reason the 2001-02 Kings went 61-21 and took the Los Angeles Lakers to seven games in the Western Conference Finals.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Internet analysis firm Kentik said internet traffic, which measures the amount of data transferred and is a good illustration of usage, was at around 40%.—
Amir-Hussein Radjy,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
-
Paired with his illustrations, Macauley’s book details the creation of a 16th century Turkish mosque, along with its societal functions and significance.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
There are arguments each one in terms of the same themes of power and agency and wielding that.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
30 May 2026
-
But these arguments, about how free expression is defined, whether art that offends is inherently harmful, and whose sensibilities determine what art gets shown to the public, would recur again and again.—
Isaac Butler,
New Yorker,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
There was at least some clarification on Friday on team issues.—
Paul Newman,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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Instead, most resident outreach has involved people seeking clarification about watering schedules and other rules.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Vasana Montgomery, the first person removed from the new season of Love Island USA, issued an apology for using a racial slur in past videos.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
4 June 2026
-
Mollner’s director’s cut ultimately tested through the roof, prompting then-Miramax CEO Bill Block to offer him final cut as an apology.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The Florida Legislature never undertook a full accounting of the money the state spent fighting the amendments.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
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Harkins has over 20 years of financial and accounting leadership experience.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Noun
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This looks very much like trying to make the facts fit a legal justification for tariffs that has already been decided.—
Paul Wiseman,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
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But in early May, a panel of judges at the US Court of International Trade found the administration lacked the justification to enact tariffs.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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