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
But on further inspection, abiotic (non-biological) processes or false detection became more likely explanations.
—
Oliver Swainston, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Possible explanations of a simultaneous dual engine failure could include contamination of the fuel source into both engines, or an issue stemming from an incorrect input of flight parameters before takeoff.
—Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025
A week after President Donald Trump ordered a U.S. attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, the explanations and descriptions of what happened voiced by him, top aides and early intelligence reports paint contrasting pictures of the extent of the damage to Iran's nuclear program.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 28 June 2025
But if the best explanation is dancing, what were these dinosaurs’ dance moves, exactly?
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Oliver Swainston, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Possible explanations of a simultaneous dual engine failure could include contamination of the fuel source into both engines, or an issue stemming from an incorrect input of flight parameters before takeoff.
—Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025
A week after President Donald Trump ordered a U.S. attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, the explanations and descriptions of what happened voiced by him, top aides and early intelligence reports paint contrasting pictures of the extent of the damage to Iran's nuclear program.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 28 June 2025
But if the best explanation is dancing, what were these dinosaurs’ dance moves, exactly?
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
-
Paul John Edited and Bold highlight different levels of peat, providing Indian interpretations of smoky and peaty malt styles.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
The French fashion house is celebrating the anniversary with a book, due to be published by Rizzoli in October, showcasing 99 artists’ interpretations of its signature Lady Dior bag.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The Trump administration is ending provisions that temporarily protected immigrants who lack permanent legal status from deportations for humanitarian reasons.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
-
But rose water nails are currently enjoying a revival and flooding our FYPs for a couple of very good reasons.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
In this photo illustration, the logo of Grok 3 is displayed on smartphone screen with xAI logo in the background on February 18, 2025, in Jinan, Shandong Province of China.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
-
The Grok logo is being displayed on a smartphone with Xai visible in the background in this photo illustration on April 1, 2024.—
Jonathan Vanian,
CNBC,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Could this argument exempt them from the exit tax, sparing them significant financial consequences?—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
That request may become even more important to prosecutors if Routh is speaking and making arguments for himself at his trial.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
How bosses should apologize Wilson's statement had several elements of an effective apology.—
Ashton Jackson,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
-
Escobar later issued an apology and addressed the allegations on Instagram.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Most businesses lack a dedicated business advisor, leaving a sizable advisory gap in a typical professional team which includes legal and accounting/tax on the corporate side and a wealth advisor, estate planner, and tax advisor on the personal side.—
Kristin McKenna,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
However, the stock is around 60% off that all-time high over concerns about its accounting and financial reporting.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
The legal justification is mainly based on not exposing neighbors to secondhand smoke.—
Phillip Molnar,
Oc Register,
7 July 2025
-
The story posted yesterday about Adam and Tatis joining Manny Machado as All-Stars, includes some justification for Tatis being an All-Star despite his struggles the past two-plus months.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
The last point is encouraging, and provides a rationale for developing new nudging techniques to help Gen Z and others make sound decisions across the financial spectrum.—
Hersh Shefrin,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
Sundance Institute's Board of Trustees, in a statement, gave a little insight into the rationale.—
Randy Tucker,
The Enquirer,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share