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

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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 Smartly, Fischer and Wilson build out this community with its own strange customs, big and small, each executed without explanation, question or complaint. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 But the government never provided detailed explanations for the conclusions. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 At some point, those explanations begin to sound less like a blueprint and more like a broken record. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Giddey’s injury doesn’t affect his shooting arm, which eliminates that as a possible explanation for his sudden plummet in shot-taking. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation

Noun

The Knight’s Tale children’s department will offer a playful interpretation of the British home, inspired by medieval castles and courts.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
But the agent then inherits whatever semantics each system exposes, which is often very little, and fills the gaps with its own interpretation.

— Felix Liao, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
For that reason, Republicans believe the seat is a likely pickup this fall in what is otherwise a difficult midterm environment.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

Noun

IllustratorMagic generates the text, illustrations, and page layouts, producing a complete book rather than separate images that require manual assembly.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2026
An illustration shows the life-size bronze sculpture of dueling film critics Gene Siskel, left, and Roger Ebert that will soon be unveiled at the One Two Pru office complex near Millennium Park and The Magnificent Mile.

— Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

The Brookings paper makes the same argument in academic terms.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Both local governments filed their briefs to the Supreme Court this week, emphasizing their arguments that the bans are lawful because the AR-15 and similar weapons are not ordinary firearms.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

Ukraine is waiting for information and clarification from the US side about the situation and there is no response yet, the source said.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Santos brings up the Geese psyop allegations and asks for clarification, having only just learned about it recently.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of clarification

Noun

Harbaugh won't use injuries as an excuse, just as coach Sean McVay won't point to missing Garrett for five games and Donald for two as justification for the Rams' woes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Stewart was an executive producer of his friend Colbert’s show and harshly criticized the cancellation, rejecting Paramount’s financial justification and accusing the company of bending the knee to the president.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of explanation

noun

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