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
Interviews with voters across Los Angeles suggested other explanations for Pratt’s possible struggles.
—
Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2026
Luteal-phase fatigue and food cravings have clear physiological explanations and follicular-phase cognitive advantages have emerging support.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
However, if further research finds a causal relationship, there are several potential explanations, Preidis said.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Tom’s insistence on finding semi-plausible, scientific explanations for the island’s paranormal activity — especially the infamous Sea Hag in episode three — ultimately comes from a well-meaning, albeit misguided, place.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 7 June 2026
Chromebooks are also useful in supporting students beyond the school day, such as providing digital access to textbooks with interactive search tools, clickable glossaries and hyperlinked multimedia explanations of concepts.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Keep scrolling for more detailed explanations on why.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 6 June 2026
Trump has long dismissed such explanations.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
The idea that dogs graze to purge a sick stomach is one of the explanations owners reach for most.
—Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 4 June 2026
Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2026
Luteal-phase fatigue and food cravings have clear physiological explanations and follicular-phase cognitive advantages have emerging support.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
However, if further research finds a causal relationship, there are several potential explanations, Preidis said.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Tom’s insistence on finding semi-plausible, scientific explanations for the island’s paranormal activity — especially the infamous Sea Hag in episode three — ultimately comes from a well-meaning, albeit misguided, place.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 7 June 2026
Chromebooks are also useful in supporting students beyond the school day, such as providing digital access to textbooks with interactive search tools, clickable glossaries and hyperlinked multimedia explanations of concepts.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Keep scrolling for more detailed explanations on why.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 6 June 2026
Trump has long dismissed such explanations.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
The idea that dogs graze to purge a sick stomach is one of the explanations owners reach for most.
—Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
Noun
-
The failure to analyze or even acknowledge countless comic interpretations of presidents in contexts that lack Lorne Michaels is so thoroughly bizarre that the entire documentary becomes more head-scratching than enlightening.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2026
-
The ability to reproduce these features in the laboratory could help scientists better understand how different regions of the moon have changed over time and improve interpretations of orbital observations.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
In a recent segment on the Radio-Canada investigative news program Enquête, former Quebec Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx expounded further on the reasons for the rejection.—
Luke Cyphers,
Sportico.com,
8 June 2026
-
Jones stayed diplomatic in her reasons for entering the 2021 season on a mission.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
The telegram’s design is joyful and vivid, featuring illustrations of tiny hands tossing multi-colored hats and flowers into the air in a gesture of congratulation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
There’s also a D-mode setting designed to improve grayscale perception – this comes in handy for detailed monochrome content like scans or technical illustrations.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Kennedy and his allies within the Republican Party and the wider movement behind them have consistently made three arguments as to why all of us should abandon vaccination.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
For England fan Steve Grant, the biennial arguments about the song’s meaning raise a smile.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
There are no apologies, at least in Sarnoski’s scenario, inspired by a 17th century ballad that painted a different picture of this man and his final days.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
-
Laurie offered his apologies in a lengthy tweet.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
There are no obvious justifications, financial or otherwise.—
Sloane Crosley,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
-
These range from narratives on the current status of Crimea and justifications for the war in Ukraine to the history of NATO and justification for Russia’s annexation of Baltic states during World War II.—
Kyle Orland,
ArsTechnica,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanations. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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