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
Neither Congress nor the public, Underwood said, has had a real explanation why more people are dying in ICE custody.
—
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Phone service was restored the next day without any explanation for why it was cut off.
—Mike Schneider, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
The board has also contemplated devising an explanation or message for the county’s website detailing to the public the reason for the changes.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
If Duran’s explanation is true, the fan deserved worse.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Phone service was restored the next day without any explanation for why it was cut off.
—Mike Schneider, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
The board has also contemplated devising an explanation or message for the county’s website detailing to the public the reason for the changes.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
If Duran’s explanation is true, the fan deserved worse.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
-
Ernaux’s signature method of resisting interpretation and incarnating the past plunges us into this girl’s experience.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Supporters dispute interpretation The position taken by Raynes’ group on the civil rights bill has confounded some of the measure’s supporters.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But the status quo is upended by the arrival of Kyra Marshall (Anika Noni Rose), a woman with young kids who wants a stop sign for safety reasons.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
-
If nerves come up, that’s part of the process, not a reason to stop.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That illustration seems almost quaint now, but the central concept still holds.—
Claire Zillman,
Fortune,
9 Apr. 2026
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The newest Echo Show 5 Kids features the all-new Alexa+, so kids can engage in interactive learning conversations and co-create one-of-a-kind stories with original, real-time illustrations.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Our kids grew up in a house where arguments were the norm.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
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Duncan, for his part, tried to strike a balance between supporting the Royals — and his support for a downtown stadium — and the argument over what the city’s role in that discussion should be.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In addition to issuing Thursday's clarification, Judge Leon stayed his ruling by another seven days to allow the White House to pursue further appeals.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Hours after Ivory's statement, Fulton County officials issued a clarification, pushing back on the idea that the county is actively pursuing private jail options.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The apology followed a report released on Wednesday by the state Board of Audit and Inspection, which found that unplanned maneuvers for personal filming led to the collision between two F-15K jets during a formation flight near the city of Daegu in December 2021.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
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His video exceeded the council’s 3-minute, individual time limit on public comment, and the mayor ordered the video cut off just after Houbeck made his apology statement.—
Barbara Henry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But the fiscally moderate governor generally has decried such accounting maneuvers, urging lawmakers to make tough choices to keep spending within the budget and under cap limits.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
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Dunlap also falsely claimed that the gold had been audited by an accounting firm, which certified its value.—
Sara Tenenbaum,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And every time, the justification is that the area has already changed — as if the last bad decision is now the reason for the next one.—
Mike Atchison,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
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The justification for the conflict has shifted over time, ranging from preventing nuclear development to broader geopolitical goals.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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