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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.

The study also offers an explanation for this unusual behavior.

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

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

Here’s an explanation of why investors think Sysco is overpaying.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

She searched her computer brain for an explanation and realized, once again, that her new body was different from her old one.

From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown

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