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
One of the most common explanations for this (and for the University City restaurant scene’s shortcomings in general) has to do with how dining districts tend to develop in the first place.
—
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Two absurd explanations were offered last week for how Poland surpassed Switzerland to become one of the world’s 20 largest economies just 34 years after the collapse of the Soviet empire.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2026
But neither of these scapegoating explanations holds water.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
The shifting explanations, the defense argues, suggest the decision may have been arbitrary.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Scientists must first rule out any possible non-biological explanations for a discovery, meaning the discovery would have to be unexplained by any chemical or geological processes.
—Mary Magnuson, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Instead of treating share changes as ex post explanations, the organization could evaluate prospective moves and understand which segments and behaviors would drive the biggest impact.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Outside experts point to a variety of explanations for the lag.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 17 Mar. 2026
Here are the most likely explanations.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Two absurd explanations were offered last week for how Poland surpassed Switzerland to become one of the world’s 20 largest economies just 34 years after the collapse of the Soviet empire.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2026
But neither of these scapegoating explanations holds water.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
The shifting explanations, the defense argues, suggest the decision may have been arbitrary.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Scientists must first rule out any possible non-biological explanations for a discovery, meaning the discovery would have to be unexplained by any chemical or geological processes.
—Mary Magnuson, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Instead of treating share changes as ex post explanations, the organization could evaluate prospective moves and understand which segments and behaviors would drive the biggest impact.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Outside experts point to a variety of explanations for the lag.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 17 Mar. 2026
Here are the most likely explanations.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
Noun
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Attorneys for the city and the organizers shared conflicting interpretations on how the data center tax breaks should be classified.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
24 Mar. 2026
-
There are new interpretations of his signature (excellent) trousers.—
Alice Cary,
Vogue,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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According to the bill, Pittsburgh police may not enforce immigration laws and cannot share information with ICE on suspects detained for other reasons.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
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Screeners are the prerelease copies of film and TV shows meant for promotional use, festival submission, sales or other business reasons.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The exclusive Barnes & Noble and Walmart editions have extra features, like colorful edges and inside illustrations.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
22 Mar. 2026
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In the manuscript, dozens of illustrations in it showcase non-white players from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East holding their own against their European opponents.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Ultimately, a lack of Democratic support for weakening the filibuster prevented them from passing that legislation, but Republicans were also vehemently opposed and leaned on arguments about protecting states’ rights.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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During opening arguments, Mark Lanier presented the jury internal company documents from Meta and YouTube that showed tech executives knew of and discussed the negative effects of their products on children.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With apologies to the legions of Frankenstein and Me fans, here are our assessments of Gosling’s other performances, listed from worst to best.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
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Ronnie here, and my sincerest apologies if that song is now playing in your head all day.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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These fragments often convey shifting or conflicting justifications.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
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Shapiro’s office also determined that three of MassDOT’s seven selection committee members did not follow the instructions to record their scoring justifications on evaluation worksheets.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanations. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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