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

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 Trying to find an explanation for why a claim was denied is a fruitless task. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The Kennedy Center did not provide the Times with an explanation for why the sculpture was being removed. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 That explanation, which was given to Quatraro on the field, clearly was unacceptable to the Royals manager. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Extraneous explanation, process, context and answers beyond the scope of the question muddy your points with unnecessary and often unhelpful information. — John Bowe, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

This system uses deep learning algorithms to link real-time computer vision (ultrasound interpretation) directly with physical motor control.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
This partly came down to lawmakers’ interpretations of religious principles.

— Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Ray Washburne, co-chair of the Dallas host committee, said there were strong reasons for some lawmakers and candidates to pass on attending.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
Rogers did not give a specific reason for her departure from the Education Department, which was first reported by National Public Radio.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

The 300,000-square-foot Lucas Museum of Narrative Art contains 100,000 square feet of gallery space with 35 galleries organized according to theme, including adventure, motherhood, community, children’s illustrations, manga and comics.

— Brittany Levine Beckman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Instead, Hopkins advised her small business owners without the budgets for professional photographers or designers to instead opt for smaller scale illustrations or even to take their own photos on smartphones, if need be.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

The earliest arguments for the non-existence of time go back to the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, Parmenides of Elea, in southwest Italy, who flourished in the fifth century BCE.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026
The central legal argument made by the petitioners revolved around the Kansas Public Speech Protection Act, a law designed to safeguard the constitutional rights of a person to petition and prevent lawsuits that silence public participation.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

With my apologies to Cubs fans, this Brewers-Cubs rivalry is making for some really entertaining baseball.

— Jayson Stark, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Despite an on-air apology from Fox News host Jesse Watters and attempts from the network to have the lawsuit thrown out, a Delaware Superior Court judge late last month set a trial date for March 6, 2028.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of apology

Noun

But the goal here isn’t to do a full accounting of Engelbert’s missteps.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The money question At the heart of the players’ strategic offensive is a high-stakes debate over tournament accounting and overall compensation.

— Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

The habeas statute directs judges to give the government three days to initially respond with justification for the detention but allows for that deadline to be extended up to 20 days.

— Carla Astudillo, ProPublica, 3 Sep. 2026
If the answer requires long justification, your growth opportunity is not communication but rather the board appointment governance.

— Albana Vrioni, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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