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

President William Lai attempted to visit New York City and Dallas in July, but was waved off by the White House without public explanation. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

While occasional jealousy is natural, constant suspicion, interrogating whereabouts or pressuring the other person for explanations signals deeper trust issues. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Many other posts on X similarly criticized TMZ over the clip, with several users questioning the explanation about a car chase. —Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

Checking the boxes Rings and moons aren't the only potential explanations for blockages seen during occultations. —Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 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