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
According to Cris August, director of OC Ghosts & Legends in Southern California, paranormal or supernatural activity should only be considered after all other logical explanations have been thoroughly ruled out.
—
Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
Some people come to almost full stops with no explanation in order to turn or cut me off for funsies... what?
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
There’s also a neurophysiological explanation for why people hurt themselves, said Dr. Vibh Forsythe Cox, director of the Marsha M. Linehan Dialectical Behavior Therapy Clinic at the University of Washington in Seattle.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
Mandi’s Ben is a friend to both and on the team to investigate any potential scientific explanation for the phenomenon the team faces, while Kristen looks at psychological root causes and David considers the spiritual perspective.
—Trent Moore, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explanation 
Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
Some people come to almost full stops with no explanation in order to turn or cut me off for funsies... what?
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
There’s also a neurophysiological explanation for why people hurt themselves, said Dr. Vibh Forsythe Cox, director of the Marsha M. Linehan Dialectical Behavior Therapy Clinic at the University of Washington in Seattle.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
Mandi’s Ben is a friend to both and on the team to investigate any potential scientific explanation for the phenomenon the team faces, while Kristen looks at psychological root causes and David considers the spiritual perspective.
—Trent Moore, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explanation
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 5 Nov. 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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