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
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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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of explanation
The kerfuffle gained the attention of Egyptian Parliament, with MP Amira Abu Shoka calling for an explanation from Sherif Fathy, the country’s minister of tourism and antiquities.
—
News Desk, Artforum, 6 Feb. 2025
Those earning more than $95,000 (single) or $195,000 (married) are not eligible for the deduction per explanation from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Land provided a short explanation prior to the public hearings on both rate increases.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
That's just one possible explanation for the slowdown that the pandemic worsened.
—Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for explanation 
News Desk, Artforum, 6 Feb. 2025
Those earning more than $95,000 (single) or $195,000 (married) are not eligible for the deduction per explanation from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Land provided a short explanation prior to the public hearings on both rate increases.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
That's just one possible explanation for the slowdown that the pandemic worsened.
—Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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Whishaw listened to it a lot, but aside from those two tapes and essays about him by people who knew him, the depiction of Hujar was largely Whishaw’s own interpretation.—
Lily Ford,
The Hollywood Reporter,
15 Feb. 2025
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That’s a key reason why her interpretation of the character played by so many stage actresses over the years is so different.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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To be sure, there are Democrats leaving, too, and the reasons for retiring vary, from running for a different office to concerns about health to a chance to make more money as a lobbyist.—
Lee Hamilton,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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Others include milk, egg, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame, peanuts and soy. Millions of people in the United States have food allergies or food sensitivities, and undeclared allergens are the most common reason for food recalls, according to the FDA.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Editors’ Picks Source photographs for illustration above: Focus Features; Ullstein Bild, via Getty Images; Everett Collection.—
Jim Shepard,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2025
-
There are also helpful illustrations and a few chapters about mathematics.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The argument against keeping Dalton The Panthers are projected to have roughly $20 million in salary cap space this offseason, according to Over The Cap.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Feb. 2025
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Interestingly Jonas actually makes the major arguments against his own case: 1.—
Jonas Siegel,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Roy issued an apology on Instagram, returned in good standing … and broke his ankle two games later.—
Brian Hamilton,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
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The clip resurfaced days after last month’s Oscar nominations, and Torres swiftly issued an apology.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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However, TVLine may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
15 Feb. 2025
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Big universities were never going to choose athletic conferences based on carbon accounting.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This raised questions about political motivations, not legal justification.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
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Democrats and even some Republicans in Congress, like Sen. Chuck Grassley, have demanded that the administration provide a rationale, arguing that federal law requires a justification.—
Aaron Navarro,
CBS News,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In 1867, President Andrew Johnson similarly cited it as a rationale for purchasing Alaska.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
7 Feb. 2025
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These have not been rationales used for tariffs in the past.—
Greg Iacurci,Ana Teresa Solá,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near explanation
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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