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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of explanation
Venable never actually accused the Tigers of saying the Sox were stealing signs but offered it as a possible explanation for Skubal’s antics.
—
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Not an internal review, not a technical explanation, not a paperwork maneuver.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026
The injury explanation has already been used.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026
The actress told the Hollywood Reporter that she was not given an explanation for why the streamer declined to renew The Boroughs for season 2.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Not an internal review, not a technical explanation, not a paperwork maneuver.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026
The injury explanation has already been used.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026
The actress told the Hollywood Reporter that she was not given an explanation for why the streamer declined to renew The Boroughs for season 2.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
-
Williams, who was sponsored by Puma at the time, wore an interpretation of the shirt at the French Open that year, complete with long, football-style yellow socks.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
The Dior store, located at 650 West 41st Avenue, has an exterior with a distinctive, elegant white marble facade in six finishes, which is enhanced by a graphic interpretation of cannage.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Many fans cited transportation logistics and enhanced security measures as key reasons for the delays.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
So what was the real reason Ilunga did it?—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Noun
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The sudden closure could have wider implications, as the newfound illustration of the peace deal’s fragility could spook shipping companies into choosing not to traverse the strait until a more definitive end to the fighting.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
20 June 2026
-
The clearest illustration of the role this particular movie has played in McKendrick’s evolution as an artist arrived just hours before our interview.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Chicago police said that an argument between the victim and another male turned into a fight when the male pulled out a gun and shot the victim.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
-
The stars aligned, and we — the fans — were transported right into the middle of an argument over balls and strikes between the home plate umpire and A's manager Mark Kotsay.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Noun
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The account provides no clarification on what prompted the police response in the neighborhood or when the video was taken.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
The five-in-one cleaning system not only handles your pool’s floor, walls, waterline and surface but also purifies the water with natural clarification technology.—
V BRAND STORIES,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, the first woman to lead the church and the person seen as the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, issued the apology as the church released a report on conditions at the homes from 1949 to 1976.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
-
Response from Baltimore Pride organizers and the city The Pride Center of Maryland, the main organizer for Baltimore Pride, issued an apology on Sunday on stage.—
Dennis Valera,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
19 June 2026
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Engineering, education, business development and accounting and finance also remained reliable sources of fully remote opportunities.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
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Maybe that’s true, but effective art needs no justification.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
18 June 2026
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This is the justification for killing people, which, by the way, does not sound that different from the justifications governments offer for violating people’s human rights.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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