explanation

1 a statement that makes something clear an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand Synonyms clarification, construction, elucidation, exegesis, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation, road map Related Words paraphrase, restatement, translation; annotation, comment, commentary, epexegesis, gloss; deciphering, decoding; disentanglement, unscrambling; analysis; edification, enlightenment; definition, meaning; demonstration, enactment; justification, rationale, rationalization, reasoning; caution, caveat, warning

2 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 account, accounting, argument, case, reason, rationaleRelated Words alibi, apologia, apology, defense, excuse, justification, vindication; appeal, plea; guise, pretense (or pretence), pretext, rationalization