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
Eric Musselman sat behind a microphone at the bitter end of a bitter regular season for USC, armed only with the same explanations for how a once-hopeful season could come so undone.
—
Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Some of the specific explanations the CIA had used were just crazy.
—Scott Pelley, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
What are your thoughts on the administration’s explanations for going to war with Iran?
—Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
In the days since, the administration's explanations for both the timing and broader purpose of the strikes have morphed.
—Kevin Breuninger,sam Meredith,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
No toppings and no explanations.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 6 Mar. 2026
To date, the only explanations offered by the Administration have been confusing more than anything else.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
Their explanations could quickly become an electoral litmus test.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
However, the research supporting these benefits is limited, and the explanations for them are based on anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous research.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Some of the specific explanations the CIA had used were just crazy.
—Scott Pelley, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
What are your thoughts on the administration’s explanations for going to war with Iran?
—Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2026
In the days since, the administration's explanations for both the timing and broader purpose of the strikes have morphed.
—Kevin Breuninger,sam Meredith,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
No toppings and no explanations.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 6 Mar. 2026
To date, the only explanations offered by the Administration have been confusing more than anything else.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
Their explanations could quickly become an electoral litmus test.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
However, the research supporting these benefits is limited, and the explanations for them are based on anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous research.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
Noun
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Ahead, discover 28 elegant interpretations of old money blonde to inspire your next salon appointment.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Our city leaders must ensure that development remains impartial and grounded in the law, rather than being determined by subjective interpretations behind closed doors.—
Naperville Sun,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And one of the reasons Nix wasn’t healthy was that the signal-caller had to pick up more slack in the run game once Dobbins was gone.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
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For similar reasons, many of the foundations and artists’ estates once considered the ultimate authorities (like the Keith Haring Foundation and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts) have ceased offering authentication services.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Some of the pages have illustrations.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Olson’s vibrant illustrations, based on folk art, show long, slender figures who fill the pages with color and activity.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The sheriff made few policy arguments in his third run for office.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2026
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During closing arguments last week, prosecutors acknowledged the evidence presented in the case was circumstantial.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Yang and Rogers faced backlash for these comments, both posting public apologies on social media shortly after fans took issue with what some argued was racially motivated criticism.—
Faith Bugenhagen,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
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Best Picture With apologies to Hamnet, losing at BAFTA likely puts the kibosh on the Tudor tearjerker’s Best Picture hopes.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But these justifications also feel like something of an excuse.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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In other words, all the old patriotic and moral justifications for our forever wars no longer applied.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanations. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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