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

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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 Today, about six decades after being turned into a hotel, the property is owned by the same group that owns The Witchery at the Castle—an explanation, perhaps, for its signature theatrical flavor. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026 Many of the notable firings were of Black or female officers, let go without explanation despite excellent service records. — Quil Lawrence, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 Wilson's explanation didn't support Harding's claim Prime then aired part of Wilson's explanation, which focused on the fan's movements and pointing. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 High-quality practices tend to receive praise for clear explanations and excellent follow-up care, regardless of the platform. — Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

The exact nature of the relationship between the two men is left open for interpretation, and has been publicly commented on by some involved in the production.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
The herd exposes interpretation before the leader becomes the subject of the interpretation.

— Paula Johnston, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

The reason is that sellers will give up some money to avoid the risk that a buyer’s financing falls through.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Borisov’s brainy, tender, deeply contemplative performance lends an anchoring humanity to a film that might otherwise have curdled into sourness and despair — though there’s plenty of reason for that.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

Seeking new crypto money, Christie’s and Sotheby’s cut all other legitimizing actors out of the loop with NFTs, elevating what might previously have been categorized as illustration, graphic art, or a social media meme to the status of fine art.

— Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
In colorful illustrations that are just as energetic and immersive as the text, Aaron Marin pulls the whole adventure together.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

If supply chain data were instead recorded systematically and key origin information carried forward with each transaction, much like financial accounting, companies wouldn’t have to reconstruct that trail later.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Another 28% use accounting and tax software to track their finances, and 26% manage their day-to-day books but hire a professional at tax time.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Just a few months later, in February 2003—a month before the invasion—Secretary of State Colin Powell presented a dramatic case to the United Nations, citing mobile weapons labs and hidden stockpiles of WMDs as justification for war.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
However, a federal judge temporarily restored the outlets’ access and said the administration had offered little support for its national-security justification.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 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 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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