Thesaurus results for EXPLANATIONS

explanations

noun

plural of explanation

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

Relevance

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

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 explanations State officials have not offered any explanations about what went wrong. — Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026 Jones said the team believes its drilling results raise questions about some previous explanations of the site as a natural rock formation. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 His doctors offer neurological explanations, but identifying a change in the insula does not settle what that change means to the person living through it. — Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026 High-quality practices tend to receive praise for clear explanations and excellent follow-up care, regardless of the platform. — Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 The San Francisco Chronicle printed a few applications and explanations in 2014. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 Why Insomnia May Raise Stroke Risk While researchers don’t completely understand why insomnia may increase stroke risk, Vignatelli offers a few potential explanations. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Own the outcome immediately, fix the problem publicly and leave the defensive explanations out of it. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Complex issues need clearer explanations Our research found less public support for policy provisions governing more complex issues related to data centers. — Fengxiu Zhang, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations

Noun

The more exaggerated interpretations, with oversized collars that swallow the chin or heavy embellishment, are the ones most at risk of looking dated once the search curve bends.

— Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
The networks have employed officiating experts to walk viewers through confusing rule interpretations for years.

— Mike Sando, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of interpretations

Noun

They were found to sharply increase how long people continued to engage, but often for reasons of anger and curiosity, rather than enjoyment.

— Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
Activated by eminent domain Cook, an insurance agent living in Sugarloaf Township next door, has her own reasons to oppose the data center project.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of reasons

Noun

Look closely, and the intricate illustrations reveal themselves; take a few steps back, and the pattern reads softer and almost atmospheric.

— Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026
Let Books Be illustrations by Loveis Wise, Hyesu Lee, and Mikey Burton.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustrations

Noun

The new Type 01—revealed today in New York—will be judged by the same standards, with the arguments already begun and the marque, again, putting its future on the line.

— Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Those decisions have been handed down after months of consideration, including oral arguments.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of arguments

Noun

Leading figures in the security establishment have issued public apologies and left the scene.

— David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026
When asked for updates on Moore and for his thoughts on USC’s apologies and discipline, Lanning punted and instead compared UCLA to last year’s national champion.

— Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of apologies

Noun

Catch and eliminate personal excuses, justifications, or peer comparisons.

— Brendan Keegan, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Despite such justifications, these cuts, closures and layoffs have caused morale to plummet at Goddard, some current workers say, and have left management increasingly disconnected from the research center’s day-to-day operations.

— Eric Niiler, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of justifications

Browse Nearby Words

explanation

explanations

explanative

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of explanations

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inscrutable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes