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.

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

“Either they see us as small children incapable of having things explained to them, or they believe such explanation is beneath them,” it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

His advice is to notify the preparer about the mistake and ask for an explanation.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Testing is relatively simple, and many patients are eager to find an explanation for why their blood pressure remains difficult to control.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

They must have come up with an explanation for why she couldn’t spin the straw into gold anymore, like expecting a baby takes away her magic powers.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

explanation

Example Sentences

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