Thesaurus results for EXPLANATION

explanation

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of explanation

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

Relevance

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

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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 And most interestingly, her chyron identifies her as a Freelance Journalist with no further explanation. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026 The Mass, rich in velvet and gold-trimmed vestments, chanting and incense, was livestreamed on the society’s YouTube channel, with simultaneous explanations in several languages. — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 So as opposed to, say, inspiring American leaders of all kinds, like a real explanation of the character of Harriet Tubman or of Chief Joseph or Americans struggled against real hardships. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 Some explanations of bodily difference were obviously wrong, such as physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Rush’s conviction that the dark skin of African Americans was a disease, derived from leprosy. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

Ursuline maintains the conference has breached its constitution and bylaws in both substantive interpretation and adherence to procedural safeguards.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
As a consequence of its sheer polyphonic complexity, Moby-Dick thwarts simple interpretation.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

While the earliest complete Bible, the Codex Sinaiticus, lacks illustrations, by the fifth century illustrations began accompanying biblical texts, enhancing their visual and spiritual impact.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice.

— Katie Stockton, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

But Erwin Chemerinsky, Berkeley’s law school dean, said Trump still won most of the cases the court decided either after oral arguments or through emergency appeals the administration brought.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle told KTVI that the incident happened after an argument erupted inside the BP gas station at South Florissant and Woodstock roads.

— Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

On the court ruling, the spokesperson referred me to a company clarification.

— Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Justice Department seeking clarification about an apparent discrepancy in its announcement regarding the age of one of the alleged trafficking victims and will update this story if a response is received.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of clarification

Noun

The second note was reported by NBC News ‌last week to ⁠have referred to Guthrie at that point as having died, without making an apology or demanding any payment for the return of her body.

— Jana Winter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Ogwumike later posted an apology video, which OutKick was told ESPN encouraged her to record due to the reckless nature of her remarks.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of apology

Noun

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace professional accounting or tax advice.

— Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Several months earlier, county auditors identified lax accounting procedures that resulted in LAHSA’s failure to pay its contractors on time.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of accounting

Browse Nearby Words

explains away

explanation

explanations

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Style

“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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