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 As polls show the public increasingly favoring guardrails for AI safety — and opposing data center buildouts — the White House is likely to face still more calls for an explanation of why a more transparent framework is not possible. — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Somewhat surprisingly, the AI progenitor networks, tensor clouds, and evolutionary random forests mostly agreed that WHEEP-3’s advice was helpful, though their explanations for why could not be understood by most humans. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 But Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander sought further explanation and summoned Rolfe for a meeting. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026 With little explanation earlier this year, the administration made last-minute changes to a field test of the upcoming tally. — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

The interpretation around physical contact has become so vague that nobody can have any faith in what any referee, in any game or situation, will decide to do next.

— Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
In the 250 years since Newton introduced his famous laws of motion, physicists had come to believe their equations described a reality that was entirely independent of human action or interpretation.

— Adam Frank, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Its collection deliberately defies conventional boundaries between fine and popular art, placing painting and sculpture alongside illustration, comics, photography, and cinema.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026
MasterCard and Visa cards are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on March 29, 2024.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

Researchers discuss results, challenge assumptions, simplify arguments, and connect discoveries with earlier work.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
As has been discussed in the comments, Tyra did not return as a judge after that argument with Law earlier in the season.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

With my apologies to Cubs fans, this Brewers-Cubs rivalry is making for some really entertaining baseball.

— Jayson Stark, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Despite an on-air apology from Fox News host Jesse Watters and attempts from the network to have the lawsuit thrown out, a Delaware Superior Court judge late last month set a trial date for March 6, 2028.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of apology

Noun

But the goal here isn’t to do a full accounting of Engelbert’s missteps.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The money question At the heart of the players’ strategic offensive is a high-stakes debate over tournament accounting and overall compensation.

— Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

The administration’s justification for these orders is a statute that allows the Department of Energy (DOE) to declare an emergency in the case of wartime or a sudden shortfall in generation.

— John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Although the declaration is more symbolic than a justification for emergency powers, Lurie used the announcement to lay out his support for a package of policies to reform the city's housing crisis.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 11 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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