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Showing results for explanation. Search instead for explanat.
Definitions

explanation

[ek-spluh-ney-shuhn] / ˌɛk spləˈneɪ ʃən /
NOUN
clarification; reason
Synonyms
STRONGEST
account answer cause comment commentary confession definition description evidence example excuse expression information interpretation justification meaning motive note report resolution sense statement story summary
STRONG
annotation breakdown brief demonstration details display elucidation explication exposition gloss history illustration mitigation narration recital rendition showing significance specification tale talking telling vindication writing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance question quiet silence
STRONG
concealment hiding vagueness
WEAK
complication

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Older adults are far more likely to develop severe illness from flu or COVID, and new research from UC San Francisco offers an explanation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

They didn’t reply when I asked for an explanation of the discrepancies between the paper and the online database.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Simpson, standing at his side, jumped in with a rapid-fire explanation of what had just happened, throwing her band under the bus and not making much sense at all.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The chief of staff of the Air Force also announced his retirement without explanation just two years into a four-year term, while the head of US Southern Command retired a year into his tenure.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Autumn looks at me with alarm, but I’m just struggling to come up with a rational explanation.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.