1
as in interpretations
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 reasons
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
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Recent Examples of explanations
Confidence isn’t created by explanations.
—
Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Of course, other explanations are possible.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
None of the explanations were especially satisfying.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Cathleen also acted as dance mistress by demonstrating the steps and helping James provide encouragement and brief explanations for a dance’s historical context.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Like too many hack politicians, Wardlaw seems long on excuses and short on explanations.
—Robert Steinbuch, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
Results appear in about 30 seconds along with clear explanations and recommendations.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The board’s public explanations—especially its latest rejection of Paramount’s revised bid—reinforce that impression.
—Mark Desjardine, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
But sources with direct knowledge of the regime’s internal dynamics say the explanations miss the point.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Of course, other explanations are possible.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
None of the explanations were especially satisfying.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Cathleen also acted as dance mistress by demonstrating the steps and helping James provide encouragement and brief explanations for a dance’s historical context.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Like too many hack politicians, Wardlaw seems long on excuses and short on explanations.
—Robert Steinbuch, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
Results appear in about 30 seconds along with clear explanations and recommendations.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The board’s public explanations—especially its latest rejection of Paramount’s revised bid—reinforce that impression.
—Mark Desjardine, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
But sources with direct knowledge of the regime’s internal dynamics say the explanations miss the point.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
Noun
-
South Korea’s legislature hasn’t ratified the trade agreement due to a dispute over conflicting interpretations of its implementation.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The film plays with different interpretations of light.—
Jason Parham,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For these reasons, snow mushrooms are a good choice for dry skin but can also be appropriate for all skin types.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said the forklift program stands out for many reasons.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The European Rail Traffic Management System, now rolling out across the continent and beyond, gives them real-time target speeds, illustrations of braking curves and line status information many miles ahead, allowing for smoother, safer and more energy-efficient operations.—
Ben Jones,
CNN Money,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Or, are you drawn to bright colors, bold illustrations, and more of a maximalist vibe?—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In support of the Fed’s independence, current and former Fed officials attended the oral arguments, including Fed Governor Michael Barr, former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke, and Powell himself.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The Supreme Court previously allowed Cook to remain in her role pending the oral arguments.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
As coach John Harbaugh has final say on player transactions, Schoen is, frankly, Harbaugh’s personal hand puppet (apologies to Jerry Seinfeld).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Valente did not offer a motive – or apologies – for the attacks in the videos.—
Leigh Waldman,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Under current law, notwithstanding forthcoming Supreme Court decisions, the president can impose tariffs under sweeping justifications like national security or other emergency powers.—
Andrew Leahey,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Trump has given varied justifications for the use of tariffs in his second term—both as an economic measure and a foreign policy tool.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanations. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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