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.

Perhaps he'll offer some explanation to the court, before he's sentenced later this month.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

The simplest explanation for where the water comes from is the surface, particularly snowmelt from the Kaibab Plateau.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

Perhaps the simplest explanation for the limited impact of these practices is that they work for some people but not for others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Earlier opinion polls also offer a possible explanation for Becerra’s rise.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

As for Duane, he was carrying those books carefully while walking alongside Handsome, who required some more explanation.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

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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