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
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Recent Examples of explanations
There were innumerable explanations of varying degrees of plausibility, but that made the image interesting to him.
—
Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
But to argue that any of this research adds up to a substantial account of intelligence misunderstands the nature of such human traits and what can be expected from scientific explanations of them.
—Eric Turkheimer, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025
Once all other explanations had been ruled out—except for a Vitamin D deficiency, our daughter seemed perfectly healthy, and her fracture would heal with time—we were left with a different sort of fear, regarding the care of our children by others.
—Ayşegül Savaş, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
When this is the case, leaders must provide reasonable explanations and in a reasonable tone of voice.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
The details of how citizens will be able to review these explanations in the context of procurement, however, have not been clarified.
—Tharin Pillay, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
The shift toward mechanical explanations has revived interest in pre-genetic models of biology.
—Anna Demming, Quanta Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
According to testimony from a preliminary hearing held to determine whether Tax would go to trial on the murder count, San Diego police Detective Neil Barber said that Tax gave several explanations for what happened, changing his story several times.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
Other explanations for glowing will-o’-the-wisp lights don’t hold up under scrutiny, Zare told CNN.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
But to argue that any of this research adds up to a substantial account of intelligence misunderstands the nature of such human traits and what can be expected from scientific explanations of them.
—Eric Turkheimer, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025
Once all other explanations had been ruled out—except for a Vitamin D deficiency, our daughter seemed perfectly healthy, and her fracture would heal with time—we were left with a different sort of fear, regarding the care of our children by others.
—Ayşegül Savaş, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
When this is the case, leaders must provide reasonable explanations and in a reasonable tone of voice.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
The details of how citizens will be able to review these explanations in the context of procurement, however, have not been clarified.
—Tharin Pillay, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
The shift toward mechanical explanations has revived interest in pre-genetic models of biology.
—Anna Demming, Quanta Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
According to testimony from a preliminary hearing held to determine whether Tax would go to trial on the murder count, San Diego police Detective Neil Barber said that Tax gave several explanations for what happened, changing his story several times.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
Other explanations for glowing will-o’-the-wisp lights don’t hold up under scrutiny, Zare told CNN.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
Noun
-
The Western look continues to have a stronghold on brands as well as its more refined interpretations.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
17 Oct. 2025
-
TikTok users flooded the comments section with laughter and playful interpretations of the dog’s behavior, charmed by the pet’s timing and apparent misunderstanding of the task at hand.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The full and final details of what would be a very complex operation for tax and legal reasons are still being worked out, sources said.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Besides religion, what are other possible reasons a person might have executed a forgery?—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The colorful illustrations in this book are like a glimpse into a child’s imagination, with fun surprises to be found on every page.—
Sara Rowe Mount,
Parents,
15 Oct. 2025
-
These start with different illustrations of down-home life that gradually give way to drawings of fires, mayhem and syringes plunged into eyeballs as a saccharin-sweet song from sisterly duo Patience and Prudence plays.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Megan Thee Stallion does not want to entertain arguments about her chart success.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The temporary restraining order keeps the troops in place pending further court arguments.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dunst and Tatum are terrific together, particularly in moments where things are left unsaid, unspoken confessions, apologies and forgiveness coursing between them.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The fallout has prompted apologies from high places.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Local leaders, on the other hand, continued to push back on the administration's justifications and the administration's characterizations of violence in their cities.—
Megan Forrester,
ABC News,
9 Oct. 2025
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One of Russia's justifications for launching its war against Ukraine was to thwart Kyiv's ambitions to join NATO, which Moscow regards as a serious threat to its national security.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanations. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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