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.

That same year, David Bowie gave no explanation as to why he left it to Madonna to pick up his trophy, with the Material Girl thanking him "wherever you are".

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Arvizu said a law enforcement officer then forced him to leave the meeting without providing an explanation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

But there might be another, less promising explanation, according to Krinsky: The correlation between bitcoin and software stocks may simply be starting to break down.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Thucydides was partial to naturalistic explanation and, no stranger to eclipses himself, might well have offered Pericles’ nervous helmsman a cloak.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

She wanted an explanation from Ashmodai; the goal wasn’t to get Boaz offed tonight.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Vocabulary lists containing explanation

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4

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