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
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
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
-
South Korea’s legislature hasn’t ratified the trade agreement due to a dispute over conflicting interpretations of its implementation.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
-
His administration has long advocated for a broad interpretation of the Second Amendment.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The internet and Black art triggered awe for completely different, profound reasons.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
One reason is a viral video that shows Pretti standing over the body of a veteran who died and honoring his service.—
Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Or, are you drawn to bright colors, bold illustrations, and more of a maximalist vibe?—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Native American artists produce a vast array of art from jewelry and fashion to illustrations and bronzes; among that artwork, some is produced in a traditional style, others in radically contemporary styles.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This is the classic day for arguments with romantic partners.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Calling for an economic and social impact study is not an argument against White Stadium.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
According to a list of demands posted at the front doors of the mayor’s office, the activists were demanding clarification of the city’s policies regarding police interaction with immigration authorities.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Poryes’ clarification comes after Hilary Duff, star of the hit Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire, suggested that her show and its blockbuster film may have influenced the central plot of Hannah Montana in a recent interview with Vanity Fair.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
What’s required is an apology and some accountability.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
-
As coach John Harbaugh has final say on player transactions, Schoen is, frankly, Harbaugh’s personal hand puppet (apologies to Jerry Seinfeld).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This information is for educational purposes and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice.—
Heather L. Locus,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Mike Sauer, Entegris’ VP, controller and chief accounting officer, will assume the role of interim CFO, in addition to maintaining the responsibilities of his current role.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Miller presented the numerous challenges people face when purchasing a home in the country today as justification for her bill in a press release on Wednesday.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Jan. 2026
-
This is a clear and tangible justification for transferring.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
