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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of explanation
These, though, are surface level concerns—and there’s a potential deeper explanation lurking beneath.
—
Callum Booth, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
After the game, Nuno’s explanation for Awoniyi being shown back onto the pitch after his collision was that there had been a misunderstanding and miscommunication.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 15 May 2025
There are two competing explanations for why this happens.
—Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
There might be an explanation behind this recent tendency, though: Barca players are exhausted, and some are injured.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Callum Booth, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
After the game, Nuno’s explanation for Awoniyi being shown back onto the pitch after his collision was that there had been a misunderstanding and miscommunication.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 15 May 2025
There are two competing explanations for why this happens.
—Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
There might be an explanation behind this recent tendency, though: Barca players are exhausted, and some are injured.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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And the 69-year-old Leo has a trail of social media posts promoting opinion articles critical of Vice President JD Vance ‒ one as recent as April 14 ‒ over Vance's interpretation of Scripture and his position on immigration.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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All are valid interpretations, but none fully explores the nuances of why so many women turn to alcohol in the first place.—
Jessica Guerrieri,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
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During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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And that’s one of the reasons why with him and Edwards at the helm, the Timberwolves are only a win away from a repeat trip to the Western Conference finals.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Quick Dry This multi-purpose hair cream speeds things up while also tackling frizziness and other common vexations By India Knight Photo illustration by Chop Choppish Shop Read On Bust a Move Sun’s Out, Buns Out ’Tis the season to show them off.—
Tuppence Middleton,
Air Mail,
8 May 2025
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Given the global report from the IMF, these individual country case studies are live illustrations of the challenge ahead globally.—
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Megan, born Megan Pete, claimed that Lanez shot her in the foot after an argument broke out in her car between friend Kelsey Nicole, Lanez, and Lanez's bodyguard following an evening at Kylie Jenner's house on July 12, 2020.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
13 May 2025
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Such an argument does not figure to spare deportation for those nabbed by federal immigration agents.—
Thomas Elias,
Mercury News,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Some Seneca members, however, noted that an apology means little without meaningful action.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
20 May 2025
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The owner of a San Diego café issued a public apology after at least 98 people got sick, including nine who were hospitalized, according to local reports.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 2025
Noun
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The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
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According to basic national accounting, GDP equals the ...—
Alexander William Salter,
National Review,
9 May 2025
Noun
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And still others, eyes already on 2028, are quietly offering up preemptive justifications before the blame begins to settle.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 May 2025
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The original justification for dropping HBO from HBO Max was to signal a something-for-everyone content cornucopia.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Explaining its rationale for lowering its credit rating on the United States for the first time since 1917, Moody’s cited ballooning US debt levels and Washington’s intransigence over budget deficit solutions.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
19 May 2025
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Comfortable dress shoes are a worthwhile gamble, accenting the tone of the outfit with the rationale of a day spent walking around (sometimes through mud).—
Sam Cohn,
Baltimore Sun,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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