explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: something that explains

gave no explanation

Synonyms

• clarification
• construction
• elucidation
• exegesis
• explication
• exposition
• illumination
• illustration
• interpretation
• road map

Examples of explanation in a Sentence

The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody.

an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand

Recent Examples on the Web

There are two competing explanations for why this happens. —Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

There might be an explanation behind this recent tendency, though: Barca players are exhausted, and some are injured. —Pol Ballús, New York Times, 1 May 2025

On the explanation that government work is increasingly complex, Zanini is skeptical. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025

The details came to light through recent lawsuits filed by students whose status was suddenly revoked with little to no explanation. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing explanation

• by way of explanation

Rhymes for explanation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: a statement that makes something clear