explanations

noun

plural of explanation
1
as in interpretations
a statement that makes something clear an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in reasons
a statement given to explain a belief or act when questioned by authorities, the students were at a loss for an explanation for their senseless vandalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of explanations Each of these explanations could have been folded into other lines of dialogue or phone calls or literally anything else instead of being spelt out alphabetically so Twitter can’t point out a plot hole. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 While official explanations have been absent regarding Aubrey’s departure and the circumstances that preceded it, its mysterious nature evokes the similarly abrupt exit of his predecessor, Shivaun Nurre, three years ago. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 There are several explanations for why collection calls may suddenly stop. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 There are at least two complementary explanations underlying Hack’s law. — Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 When physical aggression is directed at White players such as Cunningham or Caitlin Clark, commentators have repeatedly shown a willingness to search for explanations that soften the actions of the offending player. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 For Bondele, the explanations have done little to ease the uncertainty. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Other potential explanations for Zipfian distribution in animal communication don’t involve cultural transmission. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026 Some of those explanations may be straightforward—at least compared with extraterrestrials. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanations
  1. interpretations
  2. reasons
  3. illustrations
  4. arguments
  5. apologies
  6. justifications
Noun
  • The role of China’s reserve system can complicate interpretations of global stock numbers.
    — SJ Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Hence both interpretations were dangerously misleading, because both left it to non-Jews to define Jewish history.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of interpretations
Noun
  • Chelsea need to be active sellers, and not simply for financial reasons.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Only medical reasons can be used in justifying concurrent surrogacy, and a qualified physician must attest to them in writing.
    — Arthur L. Caplan, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of reasons
Noun
  • Written by Colin Meloy, best known as the frontman of the band The Decemberists, the book featured illustrations from his wife and children’s book illustrator, Carson Ellis.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Each volume is accompanied by black-and-white illustrations, poetry and new cover artwork.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustrations
Noun
  • Dallas appellate attorney David Coale, who has handled appeals for decades, told CBS News Texas after the trial that Anthony's team could have several strong arguments over whether the trial was handled correctly.
    — CBS Texas Staff, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Paul Schmidt, a Covington & Burling trial attorney representing Meta, contested O'Neill's arguments, and disputed the notion that Meta executives misled the public with their statements about child safety.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of arguments
Noun
  • The week brought a lockdown, board member apologies, new accountability grades and a fresh instructional model aimed at turning around low-performing campuses.
    — Star-Telegram staff. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Melvin then tried walking out of the door, crouching down to continue his apologies in the frame.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of apologies
Noun
  • At the center lies carceral safety politics—logics that turn fears of violence into justifications for punitive responses.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026
  • His shows were cancelled for what writers for Ynet and Haaretz considered questionable reasons, among them alleged pressure from Netanyahu’s allies, although the networks involved named other justifications, including financial ones.
    — Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of justifications

Browse Nearby Words

explanation
explanations
explanative
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Cite this Entry

“Explanations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanations. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of explanations for Spanish Speakers

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