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

The most likely explanation for the shooting involves Gaitok versus the thieves. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025

But there were at least explanations that made some sense for why none of those recruitments panned out. —Jesse Temple, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

When sunsets and earthquakes and birth and death are reduced to mathematical equations and scientific and medical explanations, wonder and awe can easily disappear. —Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

Melissa says Shauna creates drama and there’s an explanation for all of the things that have been happening to her. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 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