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
Use clear headings, concise explanations and logical formatting.
—
Jeremy Fields, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
All 48 national team coaches were involved in a workshop to detail the law changes — which for the World Cup also includes a three-minute cooling break 22 minutes into each half — and every player will receive the same explanations before the tournament starts on June 11.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 31 May 2026
The usual explanations get thrown around.
—Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Oc Register, 31 May 2026
Common explanations for an exit from the public eye include retirement, health issues, family obligations, and disillusion with the nature of fame.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 May 2026
Other explanations touch on the complementarities between immigrant and native workers, the idea that immigrants don’t compete with native workers but enable them to specialize in higher-skilled tasks, raising their productivity and earnings in the process.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 29 May 2026
There are many different explanations out there, but the fact of the matter is he was left alone and was wounded.
—David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026
The government’s own explanations weren’t convincing, Crenshaw wrote.
—Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
One of the most common explanations for why male and female garments have their buttons on opposite sides comes from European fashion history.
—Caroline Kobia, The Conversation, 21 May 2026
Jeremy Fields, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
All 48 national team coaches were involved in a workshop to detail the law changes — which for the World Cup also includes a three-minute cooling break 22 minutes into each half — and every player will receive the same explanations before the tournament starts on June 11.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 31 May 2026
The usual explanations get thrown around.
—Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Oc Register, 31 May 2026
Common explanations for an exit from the public eye include retirement, health issues, family obligations, and disillusion with the nature of fame.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 May 2026
Other explanations touch on the complementarities between immigrant and native workers, the idea that immigrants don’t compete with native workers but enable them to specialize in higher-skilled tasks, raising their productivity and earnings in the process.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 29 May 2026
There are many different explanations out there, but the fact of the matter is he was left alone and was wounded.
—David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026
The government’s own explanations weren’t convincing, Crenshaw wrote.
—Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
One of the most common explanations for why male and female garments have their buttons on opposite sides comes from European fashion history.
—Caroline Kobia, The Conversation, 21 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
Noun
-
And what do the fates of these men say about how and through whom the show defines audacity — a word that has two different interpretations and uses?—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
2 June 2026
-
While the show's other actors don't know the truth, many of them have shared their interpretations since the finale aired.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
This group of hotels, which premieres today across our US and UK markets, is special for many reasons.—
Erin Florio,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
That use case is one of the reasons why OpenAI is focused on building infrastructure, Altman said.—
Annie Palmer,Samantha Subin,Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
From room to room walls are covered in blue block prints or hot-pink illustrations of pear trees, while floors are scattered with artisanal rugs and a collection of curios—a rooster statue, a floral dress form—is hidden all over.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The thieves also took five illustrations by Brazilian modernist Cândido Portinari created for a special edition of José Lins do Rego’s novel Menino de Engenho.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
During closing arguments before the jury Tuesday, Grossman’s attorney, Esther Holm, echoed that claim.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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Beyond arguments for or against new revenue-generating measures, the measure drew skepticism from some arts advocates.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
But apologies can change relationships, and in the case of political apologies, can redefine history.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
2 June 2026
-
The expectation that women should be empathetic manifests as apologies — even for how someone else is feeling, experts say.—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
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
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Meanwhile, the nation was entangled in costly foreign wars whose justifications seemed far removed from the immediate safety of Britain.—
Danielle Allen,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanations. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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