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
Despite this, its public release remains delayed with no clear timeline from EPA leadership or explanation for the holdup.
—
Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Now, one family is demanding answers about how a 22-year-old ended up dead with no wounds, no drugs and no explanation.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The only explanation is because of their political speech, for instance.
—ABC News, 19 Oct. 2025
There was no time for grief or for explanations.
—Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Now, one family is demanding answers about how a 22-year-old ended up dead with no wounds, no drugs and no explanation.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The only explanation is because of their political speech, for instance.
—ABC News, 19 Oct. 2025
There was no time for grief or for explanations.
—Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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How might her interpretation of the African diaspora, and her hallmark emotional openness, fit into the brand?—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
22 Oct. 2025
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Vogue’s Favorite Velvet Dresses While velvet’s heritage leans formal, modern interpretations push the fabric into fresh territory—think unexpected textures, colors, and silhouettes.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Today with Jenna & Friends co-host credited her sister as the reason for many of her successes, including her role as a television host.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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The Raptors’ 34-11 advantage in fast-break points was the biggest reason for that.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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An illustration of the grassroots mentality that drives the 41-year-old Barham came on one weekend in late August when Aquarium headlined a show in Memphis at the 400-capacity Hi-Tone on a Friday, then made the eight-hour, 550-mile drive to Waco, Texas, overnight.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
20 Oct. 2025
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As is often the case with everything surrounding Swift’s name, the T-shirt featuring a graphic illustration of otters went viral on social media.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The best argument to count the goal?—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Brooks, who lives across the street from where the stabbing happened, got into an argument with the teacher before going to his home to get a knife, KUSA reported.—
Paloma Chavez,
Sacbee.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The clarification brings relief to borrowers who were recently notified of their forgiveness eligibility but may still be waiting for their balances to be zeroed out.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
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Hot Mama—the name of Tyra Banks’ new hot ice cream line, obviously—is both elusive and bewildering, and her Instagram launch video provides little clarification.—
Li Goldstein,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The First Lady demanded an apology, as well, as the litigious and heavy-handed Trumps are apt to do, cash – or else.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
22 Oct. 2025
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And we’re done accepting apologies when we should have been prioritized from the start.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
22 Oct. 2025
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.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
23 Oct. 2025
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Before joining Luttrell, Van Huss worked as an auditor for a regional public accounting firm for seven years.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Critics argue the campaign lacks transparency and legal justification, and may be intended more as intimidation than interdiction.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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Questions about the legality of the strikes But legal experts say the administration's justification is full of holes.—
Franco Ordoñez,
NPR,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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