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 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
  1. interpretation
  2. reason
  3. illustration
  4. argument
  5. clarification
  6. apology
  7. accounting
  8. justification
Noun
  • The company managed to drastically ramp up its production process and produce all 200 hours of interpretations in a span of two months.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 20 July 2026
  • Similarly, Germany's goal versus Paraguay was overturned by VAR's interpretation of an obstruction rule, sparking debate over human judgment rather than factual data.
    — Renana Ashkenazi, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The Royals have no reason to give up on their hard-throwing right-hander this season.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Jarvis has established himself as one of the best two-way wingers in the league for that exact reason.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • The pop-up exhibition includes informative panels and interactive kiosks that tap storytelling, illustration, technology and artifacts.
    — Staff report, Daily News, 20 July 2026
  • When Solving One Problem Creates Another The clearest illustration is what has happened with digital accessibility.
    — Brian Chidester, Forbes.com, 20 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
  • In the press briefing Monday, FDA officials also flatly denied issuing an apology to Taylor Farms.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
  • Then we’re yanked into Louis’s hazy POV, from which Armand is reading another one of his apology letters.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of apology
Noun
  • Brennan graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2019 with a major in accounting and information systems and worked in public accounting as an auditor and consultant.
    — Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 22 July 2026
  • There’s a multiyear global shortage of accounting talent; Deloitte notes a wave of retirements in recent years and declining numbers of new accounting students.
    — Megan Weis, Forbes.com, 22 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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Cite this Entry

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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