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.

One explanation has been gaining traction, though, and it’s bad news for producers: The world may be figuring out how to get by with less oil.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

For evolutionary science, they show why we must check our closest relatives before assuming a specific, or unique, cultural explanation.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

Well here is the easy and actual explanation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

This is what the widow should do next, along with an explanation of how spousal and survivor Social Security benefits work.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

I froze, my mind racing to come up with some explanation, but Martha didn’t wait for an answer.

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

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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