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
Observers have put forth several explanations for her approach.
—
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Researchers who study octopus behavior offered their own explanations for what drives this kind of escape.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
Experts point to several possible explanations, including the overdose-reversing drug naloxone being more widely available and the expansion of addiction treatment.
—ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Guests whose reservations were canceled were given false explanations such as plumbing or maintenance problems, or were sent to alternate rental locations.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
While this empowers patients to take charge of their health, the results come without explanations, often leaving patients with more questions than answers.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
About one third of people worldwide have a food, drug or environmental allergy, and research points to several explanations for the rise.
—Matt Fuchs, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
There are two possible explanations for the strange numbers that would make sense.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
The results showed that users preferred a combined approach that included both pre-journey explanations and real-time narration.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Apr. 2026
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Researchers who study octopus behavior offered their own explanations for what drives this kind of escape.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
Experts point to several possible explanations, including the overdose-reversing drug naloxone being more widely available and the expansion of addiction treatment.
—ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Guests whose reservations were canceled were given false explanations such as plumbing or maintenance problems, or were sent to alternate rental locations.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
While this empowers patients to take charge of their health, the results come without explanations, often leaving patients with more questions than answers.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
About one third of people worldwide have a food, drug or environmental allergy, and research points to several explanations for the rise.
—Matt Fuchs, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
There are two possible explanations for the strange numbers that would make sense.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
The results showed that users preferred a combined approach that included both pre-journey explanations and real-time narration.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
Noun
-
Director Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi epic remains open to many different interpretations and may seem ponderous to modern audiences.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Each property has its own restoration story, but all began as working farms rather than aesthetic interpretations.—
Christine Chitnis,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to the restricted access to the villages, Adraee warned against moving south of another 21 villages in the area for safety reasons.—
Will Clark,
NBC news,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Overall, the reasons for the decline are still debated.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Santat’s illustrations begin with straightforward, muted sincerity and become brighter, busier, and more gleeful—filling every corner of the page—as Sharpson’s narrator becomes ever more unhinged, ranting about fish spies, fish disguises, and fish taking over the world.—
Elise Broach,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The scent was developed in collaboration with Italian artist Olimpia Zagnoli, who created illustrations for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
If that timeline holds, closing arguments would take place on May 5, and a sentencing verdict could come that same day.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The health and environmental arguments for these political positions have been argued to death, but Barrett says that the economic consequences of dirty air are often overlooked.—
Meg Tanaka,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Thus when medical exemptions are granted, they should be accompanied with apologies or other means of deflecting the cause from those likely to be hurt.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
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And no apologies for any embarrassment caused, either.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
9 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 23 Apr. 2026.
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