1
as in interpretation
a statement that makes something clear
an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand
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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
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Examples of explanation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The justices provided no explanation for their decision to reject the emergency appeal, though Justice Neil Gorsuch dissented in the Michigan case.
—
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
At some point, the effort to find alternative explanations for such behaviors comes to feel not conscientious but simply contortionist.
—Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
On turning around the season: Related Articles Exasperated Cowboys want explanation for no-call on 49ers’ key touchdown pass
Nick Bosa crashes 49ers teammates’ interview to share his political message
Small, consistent steps in the right direction lead to great results, and this is just one step.
—Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2024
For many people, ADHD may simply be a go-to explanation for smaller issues with concentration or symptoms that stem from something else entirely.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explanation 
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
At some point, the effort to find alternative explanations for such behaviors comes to feel not conscientious but simply contortionist.
—Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
On turning around the season: Related Articles Exasperated Cowboys want explanation for no-call on 49ers’ key touchdown pass
Nick Bosa crashes 49ers teammates’ interview to share his political message
Small, consistent steps in the right direction lead to great results, and this is just one step.
—Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2024
For many people, ADHD may simply be a go-to explanation for smaller issues with concentration or symptoms that stem from something else entirely.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 19 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.
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“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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