The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - explanationn.

1) interpretation, definition, explication, delineation, simplification, resolution, clarification, elucidation, description, illustration, exposition, account, disclosure; exegesis, commentary, criticism, analysis: The encyclopedia contains detailed explanations of how machines work. 2) excuse, rationalization, justification, vindication: What is your explanation for such outrageous behaviour? 3 cause, motive, reason, key, signification, solution: The explanation for aberrant behaviour often lies in hormonal imbalance.