SELF-EXPLANATORY Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

self-explanatory

adjective

Definition of self-explanatory

as in obvious

easy to understand without explanation a self-explanatory phrase The chapter titles of the book are self-explanatory.

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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 self-explanatory The American Civil Liberties Union, which is leading the challenge to the executive order, argues the text of the 14th Amendment is largely self-explanatory. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026 This one is pretty self-explanatory. — Katie Grant, Parents, 4 Mar. 2026 Some of them, like the washtub, are fairly self-explanatory. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 The word bombogenesis is a combination of cyclogenesis, which describes the formation of a cyclone or storm, and bomb, which is pretty self-explanatory. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory

Adjective

From a distance, the color nearly blended with Anderson’s skin; the height became considerably more obvious in profile.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
In its rush to chase clicks, the league publicly showcased a wager that appeared to raise obvious questions under its own CBA.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

In fact, the film’s story would still be comprehensible if its few subtitles were removed (one of Murnau’s earlier silents — 1924’s The Last Laugh — has no titles whatsoever).

— Tim Page, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
Like a lot of your work, the joke underscoring this new song and video is incredibly niche and also evidently instantly comprehensible to millions of people.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of comprehensible

Adjective

From a business perspective, this emphasis is understandable; these big-name pieces are huge audience draws, both for locals and traveling visitors.

— Mureji Fatunde-Iloeje, ArsTechnica, 25 July 2026
Its understandable focus on last year’s championship battle, ultimately justified by Norris’ coronation, had delayed its 2026 car development plans compared to Mercedes, leaving it playing catch-up through the first half of the 2026 season.

— Luke Smith, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of understandable

Adjective

This model, where companies embed themselves in a city, is also evident in JPMorgan Chase's Detroit efforts, Tulsa's remote worker program, and Cleveland's Evergreen Cooperatives.

— Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
The real reason is that his report is an unfocused jumble of personal testimony, with no evident attempt to corroborate the lurid and sometimes unbelievable accusations made by anonymous sources.

— Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026

Definition of evident

Adjective

Several police officers responded and found the suspect holding an apparent firearm.

— Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
Elsewhere, manager David Moyes will have been satisfied that right-back Nathan Patterson, who has no apparent future at Everton, got enough minutes in Scotland’s three matches to provide a bargaining lever with any clubs interested in him.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

However, this applies strictly to plain coffee, not sugary, high-calorie specialty drinks or concentrated caffeine products.

— Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
In addition to believing, plain and simple, that Shamea crossed the line with her Miss Diane tea, the newbies also seem frustrated by how much the feud is interfering with the group dynamic and the show’s levity.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of plain

Adjective

There is also a fair amount of misinformation circulating on social media and plenty of unanswered questions about the process as a whole — and many don’t have straightforward answers.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Harmony Taylor, a partner at Law Firm Carolinas and the former chair of the North Carolina Community Association Institute Legislative Action Committee, said many HOA proposals appear straightforward when they’re first introduced.

— Nora O'Neill July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

Definition of straightforward

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“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-explanatory

adjective

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