explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

declined without any explanation

The company offered little by way of explanation for the problems. [=as a way of explaining why there were problems]

2

: something that explains

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

Synonyms of explanation

• 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

The 14-point exhaustion gap between men and women has explanations that are medical, hormonal, nutritional, and structural. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026

But neither of these scapegoating explanations holds water. —CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

The explanation suggests that the issue may have been caused by environmental constraints rather than a technical failure. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026

The shifting explanations, the defense argues, suggest the decision may have been arbitrary. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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