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
Relevance
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
Examples 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
As for why Gere raised his middle finger in the first place, the actor was quick to offer an explanation.
—
Shania Russell, EW.com, 20 Nov. 2024
For the complete analysis, watch Cramer’s full explanation below.
—Julie Coleman, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024
Last summer, Mayor Elaine McLain stopped attending meetings with no public explanation, Commissioner Brad Host said, shortly before Monday’s meeting.
—Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 19 Nov. 2024
While the board has offered no explanation for her termination, reports suggest that her firing stemmed from tension with board members.
—Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explanation 
Shania Russell, EW.com, 20 Nov. 2024
For the complete analysis, watch Cramer’s full explanation below.
—Julie Coleman, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024
Last summer, Mayor Elaine McLain stopped attending meetings with no public explanation, Commissioner Brad Host said, shortly before Monday’s meeting.
—Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 19 Nov. 2024
While the board has offered no explanation for her termination, reports suggest that her firing stemmed from tension with board members.
—Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
-
That interpretation reached something of a tipping point with the September 30 death of Creel, one of Broadway’s most popular leading men of musicals and much beloved for his LGBTQ+ activism.Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024
-
Kardashian’s modern interpretation of the historic piece included layering it with pearl necklaces and completing the look with an ivory cape-style coat.Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The first reason that alcohol should be cut out to lose fat is that it’s filled with empty calories.Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
-
There are endless reasons to take a year off from typical festivities or start a new tradition on Thanksgiving Day.Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
This deceptive game is the perfect illustration of modern marketing.Drew Gerber, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
-
Among the handouts was a bookmark with an illustration of a voting booth and two children outside.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Both the prosecution and now the defense have rested in Richard Allen's murder trial in Delphi, Indiana, setting the stage for closing arguments Thursday.Jordan Smith, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Nov. 2024
-
To me, the instinct is never to try to win the argument.Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The final report outlined 138 recommendations, including calling for public apologies from New Zealand’s government, as well as the pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury, heads of the Catholic and Anglican churches, respectively, who have condemned child abuse.Reuters, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
-
On whether Samuel owes him an apology: There doesn’t need to be.Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
In addition to the seals, the accounting systems, which developed during the fourth millennium BC, also physically documented the trade of goods using tags, numerical tablets, tokens and clay balls called bullae.Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
-
Coincidentally - or perhaps not - the company was required to adopt a more complicated lease standard in 2022, the same year these accounting issues began.Jesse Silvertown, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
So then if there's no policy justification, why are both candidates talking about this?Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
-
But now, more than ever, there is no good justification for adding one’s name to X’s list of active users.Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The respective prompts are each followed by a brief explanation for their rationale and inclusion.Tor Constantino, MBA, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
-
In a Facebook post on Sept. 22, Schenke tried to explain his rationale.Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near explanation
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share