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

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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

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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 Ferrari believes therapy can sometimes lean too heavily on affirmation and explanation without helping clients move toward meaningful change. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 15 July 2026 But when Shuler and others returned to work in February, their workflow was changed without explanation, according to The Guardian. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 15 July 2026 Veterinarians and animal behaviorists point to a range of explanations. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026 McConnell, who at 84 is only the third-oldest member of the Senate, was admitted to the hospital on June 14 with barely any explanation. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

And so there’s lots of different interpretations to any lyric within the record.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 13 July 2026
These top-handle bags introduce a new interpretation of modern dressing, one that’s more understated and elegant.

— Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 11 July 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

In a flourish of dramatic irony usually reserved for Greek tragedies and Titanic retellings, the guide opens with an illustration in the style of a CPN, proudly proclaiming the genre’s longevity.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Paint to paper, needle to thread—like couture, fashion illustration is a discipline of the hand.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 13 July 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

Because the most common objection to the argument turns out to be the argument's best evidence.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
An independent committee investigating the cause of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades heard arguments on how improper practices that evaded regulatory oversight turned a small fire into a tragedy as the case neared its conclusion Friday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

That position had remained unaltered for nineteen years, and the changes that day were presented as a clarification of a policy that was perhaps too vague and hard to define.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
The Observer asked for clarification about the raise specifically passed by the board of education — not the state — and when Hill would receive back pay.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026

Definition of clarification

Noun

Last year, the company posted a lengthy apology for a series of violent and antisemitic posts from Grok, placing the blame on a system update.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Being asked to name my favorite book of all time feels like way too much pressure (apologies to the asker, this newsletter’s editor).

— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 15 July 2026

Definition of apology

Noun

The county’s accounting staff said the abrupt change in travel plans came from the office of Anthony Rodriguez, chair of the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
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, 15 July 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Democratic leadership cited the ongoing war on Iran as the primary justification for delaying the bill’s progress.

— Julia Gledhill, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
The core issue now is control of the Strait of Hormuz, which wasn’t even part of the original justification for war.

— Robin Wright, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

explains away

explanation

explanations

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“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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