explanation
noun
ex·pla·na·tion
ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: the act or process of explaining
2
: something that explains
gave no explanation
Synonyms
Examples of explanation in a Sentence
The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody.
an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand
Recent Examples on the Web
All the ups and downs and periods of mania had an explanation.
—
Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024
While the concept lacks scientific explanation, individuals have commonly reported fatigue, balance issues, vivid dreams, flu-like symptoms and more during or after an eclipse.
—Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Apr. 2024
Our favorite agents tackle a mysterious murder that may have an out-of-this-world explanation.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2024
But, a few weeks before my visit, the Air Force had suddenly removed the fuel tank, offering no explanation.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
Authorities did not immediately offer an explanation for why the driver had entered the wrong direction of traffic.
—Will McCarthy, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024
In 2004, that patient went to the Chicago police, and months later, Ortega asked for a one-year leave without explanation, according to the lawsuit.
—Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
If the court sides with Muñoz, other families could be entitled to some explanation about why they were denied visas.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
Physicists had a standard explanation for the disparity.
—Byadrian Cho, science.org, 28 Mar. 2024
Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024
While the concept lacks scientific explanation, individuals have commonly reported fatigue, balance issues, vivid dreams, flu-like symptoms and more during or after an eclipse.
—Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Apr. 2024
Our favorite agents tackle a mysterious murder that may have an out-of-this-world explanation.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2024
But, a few weeks before my visit, the Air Force had suddenly removed the fuel tank, offering no explanation.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
Authorities did not immediately offer an explanation for why the driver had entered the wrong direction of traffic.
—Will McCarthy, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024
In 2004, that patient went to the Chicago police, and months later, Ortega asked for a one-year leave without explanation, according to the lawsuit.
—Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
If the court sides with Muñoz, other families could be entitled to some explanation about why they were denied visas.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
Physicists had a standard explanation for the disparity.
—Byadrian Cho, science.org, 28 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'explanation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near explanation
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanation. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
explanation
noun
ex·pla·na·tion
ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən
1
: the act or process of explaining
2
: a statement that makes something clear
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