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
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Recent Examples of explanations
When Slater was ousted last week, the administration sprayed out explanations.
—
Ben Smith, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
At 5,300 years old, any of those explanations complicates the conventional picture of how sophisticated Predynastic Egyptian material science actually was.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Officials gave conflicting explanations for the closure, leaving the public unsure about what actually occurred in the skies above El Paso.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Structural explanations for this lack of competition are more complex.
—Charlie Hunt, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
The challenge is confirming biological activity while eliminating non-biologic explanations.
—Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
Gabbard’s office declined to answer questions about the changing explanations for her involvement and pointed to Bondi’s comments.
—David Klepper, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Instead of focusing only on elite events, some organizers now include family relays, beginner heats, and clearer judging explanations.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
Gabbard’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the changing explanations for her involvement.
—David Klepper, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Ben Smith, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
At 5,300 years old, any of those explanations complicates the conventional picture of how sophisticated Predynastic Egyptian material science actually was.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Officials gave conflicting explanations for the closure, leaving the public unsure about what actually occurred in the skies above El Paso.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Structural explanations for this lack of competition are more complex.
—Charlie Hunt, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
The challenge is confirming biological activity while eliminating non-biologic explanations.
—Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
Gabbard’s office declined to answer questions about the changing explanations for her involvement and pointed to Bondi’s comments.
—David Klepper, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Instead of focusing only on elite events, some organizers now include family relays, beginner heats, and clearer judging explanations.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
Gabbard’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the changing explanations for her involvement.
—David Klepper, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
Noun
-
By day, visitors can discover one-of-a-kind interpretations of some of their favorite artworks.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Not all Christian denominations fast or give something up during Lent, however, and the practice can have many interpretations depending on someone's spirituality, personal health and social circumstances.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Every nation, every culture, really has its own reasons for commemorating the past.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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Denver officials cited national media attention and tourism in Green Mountain Falls as reasons for downtown Denver to embrace the sculptures.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Supporting and empowering artists The New York Times featured the dynamic, mesmerizing pop art illustrations on Blind Dates Books at the iconic Strand Bookstore in New York City.—
Jess deCourcy Hinds
February 13,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Depictions of a car headed toward the state, the city skyline and Fair Park are joined with illustrations of cotton and the date of the city’s establishment.—
Aria Jones,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The debate over what the statute covers is playing out in the streets, with videos showing arguments between observers and federal agents about what conduct is legal and what isn’t.—
Isabelle Chapman,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
On the biggest stage — Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals — championships provide exclamation points in barstool arguments.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Both Angell and Kubiniec later issued apologies, though Kubiniec called for action against Angell for threatening to kill him, WSOC reported.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Feb. 2026
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After decades of estrangement between him and Hutton, the two former bandmates met last year in a timely effort to exchange apologies and bury the hatchet.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
So while the balance-sheet justifications might shift, the general logic won’t.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
30 Jan. 2026
-
In a somewhat baffling aside that failed to meet the moment, Jordan Klepper popped in, supposedly live from Minneapolis, to satirize the ever-shifting goalposts of the administration’s justifications for Pretti’s death.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanations. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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