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 The Lady Greyhounds’ midseason rise to prominence is as rushed as the finale’s explanation for selling out Nelson Road with a single viral video. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026 Clear explanations from insurers would foster trust and hope, helping patients and doctors feel more confident in their decisions. — Howard Wolinsky, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026 One possible explanation is that working together gives employees more opportunities to benefit from a supportive manager who mentors and offers development opportunities, while distance can offer some relief when the relationship is less favorable. — Christos Makridis, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026 The candidates vying to be Florida’s next senator have very different explanations as to why a smaller share of the state’s residents are registered to vote. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

The oversize everyday bag continues to dominate, particularly in supple suede finishes, while mini and micro bags remain relevant through playful interpretations featuring embroidery, charms and decorative details.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
For Smith and others like him, competing interpretations have created a high-stakes legal limbo.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Here, Benavidez Clayton dives into the reasons behind BCI’s regenerative push, why social impact is a critical piece of the puzzle and how brands can get involved.

— SJ Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is a treasure, and a public good Arkansans have reason to support.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

Her work combines music, illustration, animation and fashion.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
But the Iran example – and particularly the ongoing episodic closures of the Strait of Hormuz – is one of the best illustrations today of how merely invoking credibility to act is not the same as having an overall endgame strategy.

— Christopher Nichols, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

An argument made a fortiori gives an even more convincing reason than one that has already been accepted.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026
But Hill admitted to shoving his wife Keeta Vaccaro, 30, against the wall during an argument inside their Sunny Isles condo.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

Fox News Digital reached out to Cornell University Police and the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office for clarification.

— Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
The White House did not respond to a request for clarification about Zacharia’s Fox News claim.

— Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of clarification

Noun

If supply chain data were instead recorded systematically and key origin information carried forward with each transaction, much like financial accounting, companies wouldn’t have to reconstruct that trail later.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Another 28% use accounting and tax software to track their finances, and 26% manage their day-to-day books but hire a professional at tax time.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

The timing raised questions about the city’s justification for limiting firefighters’ raises.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Velchik said that the government never said that the ban was solely about national security, citing another justification that the outlets failed to meet minimal journalistic standards of professionalism.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

explains away

explanation

explanations

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Style

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

Example Sentences

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