exploratory
adjective
ex·plor·ato·ry
ik-ˈsplȯr-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
exploratory drilling for oil
Examples of exploratory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To confirm that your potatoes are ready for harvest, do a little exploratory digging and check the skin.
—
David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 9 Feb. 2026
These investigations began as largely exploratory projects, seeking evidence to confirm what the president and some of his advisers have long believed about the possibility of past fraud.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Doctors performed an exploratory craniotomy, where a part of the skull is removed to examine the brain.
—CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Of course, that’s an extraordinary literal reading, perhaps one not warranted by such circuitous, exploratory music.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exploratory
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David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 9 Feb. 2026
These investigations began as largely exploratory projects, seeking evidence to confirm what the president and some of his advisers have long believed about the possibility of past fraud.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Doctors performed an exploratory craniotomy, where a part of the skull is removed to examine the brain.
—CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Of course, that’s an extraordinary literal reading, perhaps one not warranted by such circuitous, exploratory music.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exploratory
Cite this Entry
“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploratory. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
exploratory
adjective
ex·plor·ato·ry
ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˈsplȯr-, -ˌtȯr-
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
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