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
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Recent Examples of explanation
There are usually explanations for it.
—
Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Advertisement Local and state officials, however, have rejected that explanation.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
Horace Frank, a former LAPD assistant chief who once oversaw the department’s detectives, said there’s no simple explanation.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
In Sapezal, home to some 32,000 people, she was paid nearly 1 million reais ($178,798) to perform an hour and a half long set (this sum was so high that a judge demanded an explanation from the municipal government).
—Carolina Abbott Galvão, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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Today, however, the focus is on a broader interpretation of the spaces around these points.—
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Watershed Spa Minneapolis Watershed is a modern interpretation of an ancient communal bathhouse.—
Noun
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During pregnancy, common reasons for seeking care include early labor, bleeding, changes in fetal movement, or high blood pressure.—
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One reason the design concept endures is the sink's functionality within the kitchen's larger scheme.—
Noun
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This was a darker point in Bowie's career, expressed by Cordell through the use of grey, black and red in his illustrations.—
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This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice.—
Noun
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Kathleen Hartnett of Cooley LLP, one of the groups that filed the lawsuit, will present arguments on behalf of Hecox, the American Civil Liberties Union told the Statesman.—
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The two attorneys made a slew of arguments to defend their position, including that the pair of lawmakers did not have legal standing to bring a suit related to their official duties in the first place.—
Noun
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All-in-one cleaning, water clarification, and voice control AquaSense X is an all-in-one cleaner across major surfaces, including walls, floors, waterlines, and water surface cleaning.—
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Representatives for Hernández and representatives for SNL didn't immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly's request for clarification.—
Noun
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Jennifer Lawrence, on the other hand, is demanding an apology.—
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The subsequent backlash was quick online, prompting Hilton to issue an apology.—
Noun
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However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
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The blockchain infrastructure company scoops up a crypto accounting firm.—
Noun
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According to federal guidance, all states drawing down child care funds must now certify their fraud prevention measures and provide a strong justification of how funds will be used, including a breakdown by spending category.—
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If the labor market is improving and the Supreme Court delivers the expected tariff refunds, the Fed would have almost no justification for adding further stimulus to the economy via a new round of cheaper money.—
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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