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
The conventional explanation is that Costco pays well.
—
Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
There wasn't any explanation provided on what that meant.
—Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026
According to Siple, this global reach reflects both the accessibility of remote sessions and a broader interest in approaches that combine practical explanation with therapeutic techniques.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
But the owners, Walter included, are increasingly united in the belief that revenue disparity is the primary explanation why a small-market team has not won the World Series in 11 years.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
There wasn't any explanation provided on what that meant.
—Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026
According to Siple, this global reach reflects both the accessibility of remote sessions and a broader interest in approaches that combine practical explanation with therapeutic techniques.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
But the owners, Walter included, are increasingly united in the belief that revenue disparity is the primary explanation why a small-market team has not won the World Series in 11 years.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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Evasive about how his work should read, Balanchine did not certify an interpretation of this splendor.—
Guillermo Perez,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
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Attorneys for the city and the organizers shared conflicting interpretations on how the data center tax breaks should be classified.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lamar said even she was stopped by a sheriff's deputy for no apparent reason, driving a Mercedes Benz with her child in the backseat.—
Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
25 Mar. 2026
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The app also encourages users to write a message to the host during the reservation process about the reason for renting.—
Mary Ramsey
March 25,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His 120 illustrations are colorful, sometimes combining nature photography with Walden’s original creations to form detailed settings.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
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Before the three scientists’ work, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans were largely abstract animals to most people – zoo exhibits, textbook illustrations, evolutionary symbols.—
Mireya Mayor,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Morales said two officers were flagged down by a bystander reporting a heated argument.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the challenge in the middle of oral arguments, even while ruling against the civil rights of Japanese American citizens in other cases considered at the same time.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Washington Examiner has reached out to the White House for clarification.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Mar. 2026
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The treaty has now officially been signed, providing rules and clarification around revenue sharing, access to funding and data transparency for co-pros.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Scherzinger previously issued an apology in 2024 after people accused her of being MAGA due to her social-media activity.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
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Head of School Julia Heaton issued an apology on behalf of the school and herself after the report was released.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Francisco Marrero, 79, is facing multiple charges of organized fraud, first-degree grand theft, practicing accounting without a license, and money laundering.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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The same auditor could not review the authority’s accounting records for more than three years in a row.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But for weeks, Campbell’s office has cited a range of exemptions in state law as justification for not releasing records about the grand jury’s activities to news outlets, including the Herald/Times.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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Washington has accused Maduro of heading the Cartel de los Soles, which allegedly funneled large quantities of drugs into the US, using the accusations as the justification for ousting him from power.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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