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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Recent Examples of explanation
Instead, among the explanations for the gold rush are fears that Mr. Trump’s policies on tariffs and deportations could cause stronger inflation and worsen geopolitical tensions.
—
Eshe Nelson, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Sometimes his team’s staff members have demanded access to sensitive government databases, including Americans’ IRS records, with little explanation.
—Darlene Superville and Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Whisky fans may be familiar with some of these names, but a few of them could use a little explanation.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2025
The next day, Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, offered a meandering explanation on his social media account of how Musk posed a major danger to American democracy and voters.
—Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Eshe Nelson, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Sometimes his team’s staff members have demanded access to sensitive government databases, including Americans’ IRS records, with little explanation.
—Darlene Superville and Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Whisky fans may be familiar with some of these names, but a few of them could use a little explanation.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2025
The next day, Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, offered a meandering explanation on his social media account of how Musk posed a major danger to American democracy and voters.
—Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explanation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanation
Noun
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While these services are not the main event of the national park—that would be the nature itself—the reduction in ranger talks and other types of interpretation would detract from the park’s educational potential, and the reduction of conveniences could impact length of stay.—
Will McGough,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Winning Time is an artistic work of interpretation made by creators independent of the Lakers’ influence who wanted to explore ideas about the ’80s, professional sports, and race in America.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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For that reason, Richardson usually doesn't agree to sit down for other productions.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Benjamin Moore White Dove White Dove is a favorite of designers and homeowners alike for a reason.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The Blue Book will streamline the world of the books and real life, with scenes from Hilderbrand’s novels written in the 144-page guidebook alongside watercolor illustrations by artist Meredith Hanson, known for her paintings of Nantucket and local businesses on the island.—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Watch the video below for an illustration of the changes.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The argument as articulated so far by Trump administration officials appears to play down the economic benefits created by Social Security payments, infrastructure spending, scientific research and other forms of government spending that can shape an economy’s trajectory.—
Josh Boak,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2025
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People have different reassurance languages, and using the wrong one can leave your partner feeling unsettled, even if the argument is technically over.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
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After the censure had been determined, Fecteau told Libby that the House members would take a break while Libby considered her apology.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
26 Feb. 2025
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Antony raised his hand in apology immediately after making the challenge before he was dismissed by referee Javier Alberola Rojas.—
Dermot Corrigan,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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One way to take (some) of the pain out of accounting?—
Jasmin Suknanan,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
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Talk to Me makes the case that understanding Haiti’s place in the New World might lead to a fuller accounting of the entire hemisphere’s history—including our own.—
Danielle Amir Jackson,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Yet to those who didn’t live through the Dončić experience — the front office executives, coaches and scouts who would love nothing more than to get their hands on a player of his ilk — all these justifications for the trade simply don’t compute.—
Sam Amick,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
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Floridians may preregister to vote at age 16 and request vote-by-mail ballots with no justification needed.—
Stephen C. Phillips,
The Conversation,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Escobar disputed Bass’ rationale for firing Crowley, saying that an outside investigation into the fire is already underway.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2025
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Federal agencies appear to be citing lackluster performance as rationale for many job cuts in termination letters, experts said.—
Annie Nova,Lorie Konish,Greg Iacurci,Ana Teresa Solá,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanation. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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