Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun explanation

3 senses of explanation

Sense 1
explanation, account -- (a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.; "the explanation was very simple"; "I expected a brief account")
       => statement -- (a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc; "according to his statement he was in London on that day")

Sense 2
explanation -- (thought that makes something comprehensible)
       => thinking, thought, thought process, cerebration, intellection, mentation -- (the process of using your mind to consider something carefully; "thinking always made him frown"; "she paused for thought")

Sense 3
explanation -- (the act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible; "I heard his explanation of the accident")
       => speech act -- (the use of language to perform some act)