explanation synonyms

explanation

n.

  1. The act of making clear

    elucidation, clarification, interpretation, narration, recital, rendition, showing, display, exposition, explication, elaboration, demonstration, specification, definition, confession, description, telling, talking, writing, expression.

  2. Something intended to make clear

    information, answer, account, reason, statement, illustration, description, comment, justification, rationalization, narrative, story, tale, history, annotation, glossary, footnote, anecdote, example, apology, excuse, alibi, plea, defense, rationale, analysis, criticism, exegesis, résumé, gloss, key, solution, commentary, note, summary, report, brief, the details, breakdown, evidence, the dope*; see also proof 1.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.