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
Although an inquiry by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was closed, stating that the allegation of his removal and transport of the whale head was unfounded, the absence of a detailed public explanation still leaves the ethical questions unresolved.
—
Sam Zeveloff, STAT, 9 May 2026
In its unsigned statement, the health department offered a brief explanation of how nurses with diplomas from the Operation Nightingale schools might still be working.
—Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
From studios in Shanghai, Reckitt is now pumping out round-the-clock explanations of the science behind its products and their use cases in what Licht describes as a contemporary version of the TV shopping channels of decades past.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 8 May 2026
Gold and silver themselves are easy to picture, but the IRA structure around them requires explanation.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Sam Zeveloff, STAT, 9 May 2026
In its unsigned statement, the health department offered a brief explanation of how nurses with diplomas from the Operation Nightingale schools might still be working.
—Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
From studios in Shanghai, Reckitt is now pumping out round-the-clock explanations of the science behind its products and their use cases in what Licht describes as a contemporary version of the TV shopping channels of decades past.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 8 May 2026
Gold and silver themselves are easy to picture, but the IRA structure around them requires explanation.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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In contrast, a decision by a judge is governed by stare decisis, the legal principle that courts must adhere to interpretations of law set by past decisions and that lower courts must follow higher courts when in the same jurisdiction.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
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Working with gaffer Jim Plannette, Schiffman referenced classic films while adding his own interpretation, capturing the sequence on 35mm color film stock and converting it to black and white.—
Daron James,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
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While Miller and his colleagues note in their study that past efforts to convince gun-owning households with kids to safely store their firearms haven't succeeded, Sathya sees reasons to be optimistic in his own health system.—
Rhitu Chatterjee,
NPR,
12 May 2026
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This is one reason why a partner of someone with avoidant attachment may perceive their partner as emotionally unavailable, overly self-sufficient, detached or distant or resistant to commitment.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Noun
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The Saudi Aramco logo is displayed on a mobile phone screen in this photo illustration, as prices fluctuate amid escalating conflict involving Iran and concerns over global supply disruptions in Brussels, Belgium, on March 2, 2026.—
Azhar Sukri,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
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The restaurant is also impeccably clean, with pastel colors and playful illustrations and Chinese phrases on the walls.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Unsigned editorials reflect the consensus of our editorial board, with the aim of offering arguments that are empirically sound and intellectually consistent.—
Teagan Davidge,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
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Swann, in other words, takes Washburn’s side of the animal-mind argument.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Flaherty did not respond to requests for clarification about his qualifications.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
8 May 2026
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OutKick asked McNutt for clarification at the time.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The producers read an apology on air the following week.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
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No excuses, no justifications, a sincere apology.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
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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,
8 May 2026
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The tools were pitched to developers as a way to build increasingly complex systems — similar to how the creation of Excel spreadsheets led to a boom in the accounting profession.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
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But Brandt’s justification for why the game should be played in Denver — which was parroted by Broncos fans — wasn’t rooted in reality.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2026
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Rebellion ‘is a good thing’ The Trumplicans’ justification for their One Big Beautiful Bill was that tariffs would offset any lost tax revenue.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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