Thesaurus results for EXPLANATION

explanation

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of explanation

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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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of explanation But looking for some sort of explanation or path for your favorite team to follow is insane. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 Woods’ explanation is essentially that both researchers and hunters are right. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2026 There was little explanation needed about what the company actually did. — Jane Miller, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 Political hyperbole Abel Carvajal, an FIU law student suspended for two years over his involvement in the chats, offered a similar explanation of the offensive messages. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

The Knight’s Tale children’s department will offer a playful interpretation of the British home, inspired by medieval castles and courts.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
But the agent then inherits whatever semantics each system exposes, which is often very little, and fills the gaps with its own interpretation.

— Felix Liao, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
For that reason, Republicans believe the seat is a likely pickup this fall in what is otherwise a difficult midterm environment.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

IllustratorMagic generates the text, illustrations, and page layouts, producing a complete book rather than separate images that require manual assembly.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2026
An illustration shows the life-size bronze sculpture of dueling film critics Gene Siskel, left, and Roger Ebert that will soon be unveiled at the One Two Pru office complex near Millennium Park and The Magnificent Mile.

— Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

Ukraine is waiting for information and clarification from the US side about the situation and there is no response yet, the source said.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Santos brings up the Geese psyop allegations and asks for clarification, having only just learned about it recently.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of clarification

Noun

Kathy Gill-Charest, EVP, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer, will lead global controllership, including accounting, financial reporting and internal controls for all divisions.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026
Amortization – a financial accounting tool to spread out the timing of expenses – will help Fox limit the financial hit if Milwaukee wraps things up in five games, the report argues.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

The department did not respond to a request to share its legal justification for ignoring the Biden-era changes.

— Cory Turner, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
All three said West Point appears to be circumventing the judge's ruling by using a different justification to continue to enforce its speech rules.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

explains away

explanation

explanations

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Style

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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