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.

Spiegel's comments on Wednesday are the first time he has pointed to AI as an explanation for staffing decisions.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Published in the journal Ecosphere, the study disputes this widely accepted narrative and introduces a broader explanation for why the birds declined.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

While the cryptic video confirmed the beef, Cooper still didn’t offer any explanation as to what initially caused the turmoil between them.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Another Instagram commenter wrote, “I’m really looking forward to the explanation for this one — the ‘Mayor of Flavortown’ having a blast with the ‘Mayor of Misogyny Town.’

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

Autumn looks at me with alarm, but I’m just struggling to come up with a rational explanation.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing explanation

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4

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