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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Recent Examples of explanation
That explanation agrees with theories such as black hole cosmology, which postulates that the entire universe is the interior of a black hole.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Two years later, without explanation, the vocalist and guitarist had not only disappeared from the collective, but seemingly retired the project of Ghost Mountain altogether.
—Meaghan Garvey, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2025
Many viewers of the talk show raised concerns after the 42-year-old singer missed a taping earlier this month with very little notice and no explanation.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025
The explanation given to the fan at the time (prices were raised to limit demand) was bizarre enough to generate comments from other social media users.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Two years later, without explanation, the vocalist and guitarist had not only disappeared from the collective, but seemingly retired the project of Ghost Mountain altogether.
—Meaghan Garvey, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2025
Many viewers of the talk show raised concerns after the 42-year-old singer missed a taping earlier this month with very little notice and no explanation.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025
The explanation given to the fan at the time (prices were raised to limit demand) was bizarre enough to generate comments from other social media users.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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Once hypothesized as a jellyfish, fungus or even a giant protist, science now favors an animal interpretation.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
In Vogue's interpretation of the Met's production, which opens December 14, Hansel and Gretel are played by actor Andrew Garfield and model Lily Cole.—
Hamish Bowles,
Vogue,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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There’s a reason why countless stars are spotted in matching sets.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Photo illustration by Tsering Bista/NPR When journalist Conz Preti brought her three children to visit family in Argentina in 2022, her four-year-old son did something surprising.—
Julia Furlan,
NPR,
5 Apr. 2025
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After the illustrations were complete, Smith had a few Dreamers stand and introduce their super hero characters to the world.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Trump administration's argument that the tax should count as a trade barrier is not widely accepted.—
Jesse Pound,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2025
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But that argument is predicated on the economy being good.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The opposition Democratic Party slammed Yoon on Monday as delusional for not making any sincere apology.—
Joyce Lee,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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The Times' then-editorial page editor, James Bennet, who had inserted the incorrect claims into the passage, wrote an apology that was posted to the opinion section's social media account.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Given demographic shifts forcing fewer workers to support more retirees, Social Security trust funds—as accounting constructs, not pots of gold—are scheduled under current law to be insufficient to make full payments within the next 10 years.—
Doug Criscitello,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Randall has a scholarly background in accounting, and his attraction to pluralism is fittingly pragmatic.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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What are the present political implications of trying to empathize with Germans under the Nazi regime, to better understand their own justifications for their crimes?—
Joseph Bernstein,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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This administration might use a domestic crisis as even more justification to bypass legislative and judicial oversight.—
Jane Harman,
Time,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The administration's rationale appears to center on China's failure to negotiate or de-escalate the trade war, coming after Beijing hiked tariffs on U.S. goods to 84 percent in its own bout of reciprocity.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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At the time, the rationale was clear: reducing friction for small consignments benefited consumers, supported small businesses, and allowed customs authorities to focus their resources on high-value or high-risk goods.—
Aleksandra Bal,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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