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

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

“They didn’t give any explanation as to why,” said the lawyer, Leonard Williamson.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Her explanation is partly about how they approached the house and where they parked not revealing the vehicle.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

I assured myself it wasn’t an invasion of privacy, just part of the investigation to find an explanation for his wretched transformation.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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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