as in experimental
done or created to find something or to learn more about something
exploratory drilling for oil
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 exploratory
Our walk was a saunter, a delightful, wayward, exploratory street haunting, to use Virginia Woolf’s term for the adventure and discovery of walking in the city.
—
Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Designed for newborn and older, this toy is ideal for boosting fine motor skills and introducing kids to the exploratory side of play.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 22 May 2025
As well as Saliba, Berta has held exploratory discussions with representatives of Gabriel, Partey, Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The work is exploratory, in that it could have been envisioned for multiple parts of the park.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for exploratory
Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Designed for newborn and older, this toy is ideal for boosting fine motor skills and introducing kids to the exploratory side of play.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 22 May 2025
As well as Saliba, Berta has held exploratory discussions with representatives of Gabriel, Partey, Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The work is exploratory, in that it could have been envisioned for multiple parts of the park.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for exploratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploratory
Adjective
-
The Annecy team has been incredibly supportive of this experimental journey.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
8 June 2025
-
In one of the first experimental studies on Chrysopelea gliding, researchers observed a golden flying snake launch from a 135-foot (41-meter) tower, execute a 180-degree turn, and land back on the same structure.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Luxury facilities, non-teaching research ventures, speculative real estate holdings—those could justifiably be subject to tax.—
Matthew Scogin,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
The lawsuit’s claim that retaliation from the Trump administration could be imminent for schools that do not comply with the administration’s demands is not entirely speculative.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
In the following days, he was held in jail on a tentative charge of first-degree intentional homicide.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
30 May 2025
-
Minnesota was downright tentative while repeatedly getting punched in the face by the conference’s top seed.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Officials believe the girls most likely died by asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, Fox 13 Seattle reported.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
5 June 2025
-
Thursday’s preliminary injunction made that relief more long term and acknowledged the irreparable harm that Chung could otherwise face.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
My expertise in information technology over a 30-year journey often requires an immersion of innovative technologies, such as AI, to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.—
Deanna Laster,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
-
And the consequences of those delays were not theoretical.—
Dr. Shelley Sella,
Time,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploratory. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share