explanation

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce explanation (audio)
Definition of explanationnext
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

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 In September, the CCJ convened a panel of 48 crime experts to assess four dozen possible explanations for the recent decline in homicides. — Jacob Sullum, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2026 Warren, who is poised to lead the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, said that Huang and Nvidia's higher ups will still owe Congress an explanation about the company's compliance with export controls. — Kif Leswing,annie Palmer,kevin Breuninger,samantha Subin,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 12 Nov. 2026 Accurate billing explanations can depend on rate schedules, meter intervals, estimated reads, seasonal usage and local policies. — Steve Dawson, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026 The prospect of more Nvidia chips staying in the US provides one explanation for hyperscalers’ share rises Thursday. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 12 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
  1. interpretation
  2. reason
  3. illustration
  4. argument
  5. clarification
  6. apology
  7. accounting
  8. justification
Noun
  • Concurrent with these updates, ZDHC published a PFAS position paper and practical interpretations, which reinforces the organization’s position against the intentional use of the substances in the textile, apparel, leather and footwear supply chain.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Given some of the uncertainty that can result as social media discussions make spot interpretations of data, producers expect to use new graphics and standards to make races easier to understand.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Officials, for example, have not explained whether Young’s administrative leave was related to allegations against him personally, his supervisory responsibilities or another reason.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Catalan capital has been a popular destination for decades, and with good reason.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • In this photo illustration, the logo of company Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is displayed on a smartphone in front of abstract background on computer screen.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
  • If there’s a golden ratio for success in the fashion business, its illustration might resemble a tetrahedron.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • The system produced a mathematical proof that was accepted by Lean, a proof-assistant software used to check the logical correctness of formal mathematical arguments.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Dylan’s sneer and Mick Ronson’s guitar jab like fingers in some intense argument, trying to win the pyrrhic victory of a lovers’ quarrel.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • The palace statement came a day after the attorney general temporarily blockedNajib's transfer from prison to house arrest, saying more legal clarification was needed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The White House did not respond to a request for clarification about why the page went down or why it was restored.
    — Stefan Becket, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of clarification
Noun
  • Organizers, staff, families and costumed participants have been drawn into the row, while the convention has called for an apology.
    — Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026
  • As Maddox-Evans discussed those topics, a resident criticized the pace of redevelopment and the housing waitlist, demanding an apology for conditions in her home as she was escorted out of the meeting.
    — Nats_syndicator, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of apology
Noun
  • The accusations surfaced when the general manager discovered a check posted in two different categories in an area of the company’s accounting software that dealt with profit loss statements, the warrant affidavit said.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The estimates from the tool are not a definitive accounting of what the outbreaks actually cost.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of accounting
Noun
  • Organizations begin with clear values, but over time, small justifications, cultural shortcuts and competing priorities erode moral clarity.
    — Susan Madsen, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • On Wednesday, before the statement from the 26 caucus members was released, Welch pointed to Tuesday’s election results as justification for his taking control of the caucus campaign.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

explains away
explanation
explanations
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Cite this Entry

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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