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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of explanation
Among them was the explanation that Wuhan – the Chinese city where the virus first began spreading – is home to a prominent virology lab.
—
Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
In fact, in some cases, providing explanations can reduce trust by exposing the system’s limitations or offering post-hoc rationalizations that users instinctively recognize as hollow.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The fact that the network still chose to disappear Wagner’s movie—and then to re-appear it later on, still without an explanation—suggests that the institution is at sea.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2025
Read More: The New CDC Study on Vaccines and Autism Should Take a Radical Approach
Kennedy doesn’t agree with that explanation.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
In fact, in some cases, providing explanations can reduce trust by exposing the system’s limitations or offering post-hoc rationalizations that users instinctively recognize as hollow.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The fact that the network still chose to disappear Wagner’s movie—and then to re-appear it later on, still without an explanation—suggests that the institution is at sea.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2025
Read More: The New CDC Study on Vaccines and Autism Should Take a Radical Approach
Kennedy doesn’t agree with that explanation.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 18 Apr. 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
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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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The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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The reason for the increase in the Tigers’ team score came after a review of Mizzou’s third rotation — balance beam.—
Henry Chappell,
Kansas City Star,
20 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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Combs’ defense team made arguments for delaying the trial up to two months, but the judge was not swayed.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Gregory, who became known as Gregory the Great, had reasons to advance such an argument.—
Eliza Griswold,
New Yorker,
19 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 fan was escorted out of the section by security, but the Athletic reported Trout met with the fan and his son after the game, signing the foul ball for them, because of the apology.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
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 26 Apr. 2025.
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