explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: something that explains

gave no explanation

Synonyms

• interpretation
• illustration
• clarification

Examples of explanation in a Sentence

The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody.

an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand

Recent Examples on the Web

Anything else should be treated as the equivalent of the God-of-the-gaps argument, and what follows is an explanation as to why. —Big Think, 16 Oct. 2025

This explanation raised another question. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025

Johnson's explanations have infuriated Grijalva's supporters. —Claudia Grisales, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025

Doherty dismissed both explanations as speculation. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing explanation

• by way of explanation

Rhymes for explanation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: a statement that makes something clear