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
But then again, there’s an explanation from the creator himself.
—
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2026
There was no immediate explanation for the shift.
—Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
There were no army patrols, no police presence, no customs post, no signs, and no explanation for this weird blip in the landscape.
—Colm Tóibín, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
That's what union representatives say the city announced without explanation.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2026
There was no immediate explanation for the shift.
—Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
There were no army patrols, no police presence, no customs post, no signs, and no explanation for this weird blip in the landscape.
—Colm Tóibín, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
That's what union representatives say the city announced without explanation.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
-
Different interpretations of rhetoric Some argue that the criticism targeted the regime, and that many Iranians welcome blunt honesty.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The most traditional poetic forms are repetitive, with strict rhyme schemes and meter, but newer interpretations are also built around repetition, relying on slant rhymes, refrains, alliteration, and more.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Snook believes there are several reasons for pickleball’s momentum.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Bayern Munich will take an advantage back to Germany next week and their goalkeeper is one of the reasons why.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Culin also consulted with other scholars and collectors to produce his final report 14 years later, which includes over 1,100 illustrations and descriptions of 239 sets of dice from 130 different tribes.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
3 Apr. 2026
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To tell the pharaoh's story in depth, NPR art director Jackie Lay lays out Hatshepsut's history through illustrations.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Huskies coach ripped into the officiating during a live TV interview and then had a heated argument with Staley in the final seconds of their 62-48 loss to the Gamecocks.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The mayor cites recent data to support his arguments.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The hoax was so convincing that some media outlets initially reported it as genuine, prompting Adidas to hurriedly issue a clarification.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Deadline has contacted the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), which organizes and hosts the event in partnership with the country’s Cinema Association with the support of the Saudi Film Commission, for clarification.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And no apologies for any embarrassment caused, either.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
9 Apr. 2026
-
After Page Six reported that Natasha Lyonne was escorted off a plane after allegedly failing to respond to flight attendants’ orders, the actress issued an apology of sorts.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 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.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Creative accounting can only hide the truth for so long.—
Terry Savage,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Research shows that people need reasons to justify pleasurable purchases, especially during financial anxiety – and premium food is powerful because the justification is built into the product.—
Patrick van Esch,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
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Black participants tended to reach instead for the language of competence or functional justification.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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