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
Relevance
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
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 explanations
But those are the kind of explanations that every losing team can claim.
—
John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
McCarty offered one of the clearest explanations of the challenge.
—Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026
An open letter by art workers followed, asking for explanations regarding his firing.
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 4 May 2026
Researchers have offered up several other explanations for Americans’ plummeting sleep scores.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Not all explanations are excuses.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
Supply and demand Let’s go through the possible explanations.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
The alternative explanations The authors provided a long list of possible confounders.
—ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2026
Advertisement Allen also looked to provide explanations for his absence to his friends and students before leaving California on his journey, describing it as a personal emergency, officials told the New York Times.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 27 Apr. 2026
John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
McCarty offered one of the clearest explanations of the challenge.
—Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026
An open letter by art workers followed, asking for explanations regarding his firing.
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 4 May 2026
Researchers have offered up several other explanations for Americans’ plummeting sleep scores.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Not all explanations are excuses.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
Supply and demand Let’s go through the possible explanations.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
The alternative explanations The authors provided a long list of possible confounders.
—ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2026
Advertisement Allen also looked to provide explanations for his absence to his friends and students before leaving California on his journey, describing it as a personal emergency, officials told the New York Times.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
Noun
-
Although some stricter interpretations of the faith may discourage interventions, Chidester said that attitude contrasts with the broader cultural landscape of Salt Lake City, where he’s based.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
-
Most of these inventive interpretations for the foreign territories have never been seen in person.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
With the exception of the punitive visit to the bank, Suzanna’s grandmother does not discuss her daughter’s crime or her reasons for committing it.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The government exists to create the environment where these technologies can help Californians to flourish, not limit them for sometimes political reasons, which is always overreach.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Winslow Homer, a decade younger than Church, started his career by making illustrations for Harper’s Weekly during the Civil War.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The president has taken to frequently posting fake illustrations of himself, including one of him being embraced by Jesus.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The document filed by the Justice Department in the Los Angeles Superior Court case led by plaintiffs Todd and Kimberley Ferrier — whose Pacific Palisades home burned down — buttresses arguments made by the victims’ attorneys.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
-
Turner had an unexpected friendship with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, bonding over hunting and arguments about politics over rum and cigars.—
David Bauder,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
At 32, he is done playing and no apologies are necessary for how his career played out with the Broncos.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Seymour made no apologies for selling himself as a public servant while simultaneously seeking more power.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Grove said the agency’s justifications for consolidating offices in Salt Lake City, Utah, don’t make sense.—
Karl Hille,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The numbers and justifications don’t add up.—
Kristen Monsell,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanations. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
