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
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
Some neuroscientists also give credence to the idea of manifestation—although again, with more logical explanations.
—
Daisy Jones, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Here’s an explanation of what all the hype is about.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
The new season saves big reveals and explanations for potential future installments at the expense of what fans are watching now.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
That explanation by White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett appears to stand in contrast with the Trump administration's previous reason, voiced last week: namely that trade between the two countries is too negligible, due to sanctions over Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Daisy Jones, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Here’s an explanation of what all the hype is about.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
The new season saves big reveals and explanations for potential future installments at the expense of what fans are watching now.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
That explanation by White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett appears to stand in contrast with the Trump administration's previous reason, voiced last week: namely that trade between the two countries is too negligible, due to sanctions over Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
-
Karma can be interpreted outside of a religious context, through a secular lens of interpretation of social interconnectedness.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Trump has used his order regarding trans athletes in particular to threaten lawsuits and loss of funding for the University of Pennsylvania and multiple educational bodies across Maine for alleged noncompliance with his interpretation of Title IX civil rights law.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them.,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This relationship focus is another reason why some financial institutions may not be tempted by the pools of CRE loans on the market.—
Sam Sidhu,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The military has a nonpartisan tradition for a reason.—
Risa Brooks,
Foreign Affairs,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The video features photos of members of the 12-member CID board alongside illustrations of 19th century slave auctions and black-and-white images from the 1960s civil rights movement.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2025
-
The optimum pack temperature for fast charging has been reduced from 95° C to 59° C, and the pack even weighs 25 lbs (11 kg) less than before. Audi Audi A cutaway illustration of the battery pack.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The argument is awkward for Warner Bros. Discovery, given that Rowling and Oliver are effectively colleagues.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2025
-
But that argument is predicated on the economy being good.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Following the social media backlash, lead star Mohanlal shared an apology on his social media page.—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Trump demands apology from Maine governor after clash over trans athlete ban State Rep. Laurel Libby, R-Maine, joins 'Fox & Friends Weekend' to discuss the president's clash with Maine Gov. Janet Mills over his executive order to protect women's sports.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The conclusions drawn by the inspector general echo limitations encountered by the CSU during its audit and a second forensic examination conducted by a third-party accounting firm, according to the report.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
This reduction was mainly attributed to lower accounting and audit fees.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Is there any justification for Morgan Wallen having 37 tracks on his new album?—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
3 Apr. 2025
-
In today’s newsletter, our immigration reporter Jonathan Blitzer investigates these deportations—and the questionable justification behind them.—
Ian Crouch,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The rationale for the new positions needs to be made clear so that the board can effectively engage with the executive team.—
Michael Peregrine,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
The liberal-majority court offered no rationale for declining to take the case.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share