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.

Court psychiatrist Peter Hoffmann said Beran A showed no signs of mental illness, adding that there was "no psychiatric explanation" for his radicalisation.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

That divergence, often referred to as the “K-shaped economy,” has been proposed as an explanation for the vibecession.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

One leading explanation involves magnetars, which are neutron stars with the strongest magnetic fields known in the universe.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

But that explanation raised more questions than it answered.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Another, even madder part wanted to go back to Boaz, to demand a proper explanation.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Vocabulary lists containing explanation

The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4

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