explanation

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce explanation (audio)
Definition of explanationnext
1
as in interpretation
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 reason
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of explanation The Lady Greyhounds’ midseason rise to prominence is as rushed as the finale’s explanation for selling out Nelson Road with a single viral video. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026 Clear explanations from insurers would foster trust and hope, helping patients and doctors feel more confident in their decisions. — Howard Wolinsky, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026 One possible explanation is that working together gives employees more opportunities to benefit from a supportive manager who mentors and offers development opportunities, while distance can offer some relief when the relationship is less favorable. — Christos Makridis, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026 The candidates vying to be Florida’s next senator have very different explanations as to why a smaller share of the state’s residents are registered to vote. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
  1. interpretation
  2. reason
  3. illustration
  4. argument
  5. clarification
  6. apology
  7. accounting
  8. justification
Noun
  • The exact nature of the relationship between the two men is left open for interpretation, and has been publicly commented on by some involved in the production.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The herd exposes interpretation before the leader becomes the subject of the interpretation.
    — Paula Johnston, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The reason is that sellers will give up some money to avoid the risk that a buyer’s financing falls through.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Borisov’s brainy, tender, deeply contemplative performance lends an anchoring humanity to a film that might otherwise have curdled into sourness and despair — though there’s plenty of reason for that.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • Seeking new crypto money, Christie’s and Sotheby’s cut all other legitimizing actors out of the loop with NFTs, elevating what might previously have been categorized as illustration, graphic art, or a social media meme to the status of fine art.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In colorful illustrations that are just as energetic and immersive as the text, Aaron Marin pulls the whole adventure together.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • The high court will hear oral arguments on the case, but not until December, meaning a decision will come next year.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Appellant's pro se motion for oral argument and appointment of counsel.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • The network did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.
    — Paul Grein, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Thousands of women, or their husbands, fathers, brothers write to me for clarification, for information.
    — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of clarification
Noun
  • Leading figures in the security establishment have issued public apologies and left the scene.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The pledge marks a shift from Colombia’s previous apology to Haiti.
    — Astrid Suárez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of apology
Noun
  • If supply chain data were instead recorded systematically and key origin information carried forward with each transaction, much like financial accounting, companies wouldn’t have to reconstruct that trail later.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Another 28% use accounting and tax software to track their finances, and 26% manage their day-to-day books but hire a professional at tax time.
    — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of accounting
Noun
  • Just a few months later, in February 2003—a month before the invasion—Secretary of State Colin Powell presented a dramatic case to the United Nations, citing mobile weapons labs and hidden stockpiles of WMDs as justification for war.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • However, a federal judge temporarily restored the outlets’ access and said the administration had offered little support for its national-security justification.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

explains away
explanation
explanations
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Cite this Entry

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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