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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Recent Examples of self-explanatory
Also in the mix is CarMax, which will serve as the title sponsor of the self-explanatory NBA on Prime Pregame, while Wayfair will provide the matching bookend at the end of the night with its NBA Nightcap deal.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Fine, well, what about the self-explanatory More Money Than Sense by Lord Kitchener?
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
The photograph—one of a series of some 52 large and 101 smaller stereo views Gardner made around the fort—appears as a seemingly self-explanatory illustration in books about the Indian Wars.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
The last two are is pretty self-explanatory, but the gripper is a little more interesting.
—New Atlas, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Fine, well, what about the self-explanatory More Money Than Sense by Lord Kitchener?
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
The photograph—one of a series of some 52 large and 101 smaller stereo views Gardner made around the fort—appears as a seemingly self-explanatory illustration in books about the Indian Wars.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
The last two are is pretty self-explanatory, but the gripper is a little more interesting.
—New Atlas, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
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Light damage is less obvious, but just as destructive.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Yet Bob Atrops was an obvious suspect.—
Sarah Prior,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Erratic as the president sounds, the Trumpian worldview is comprehensible and even, in some respects, predictable.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
19 Jan. 2026
-
All of it’s fake, from an ever-growing branch of accounts that use the same verbiage and link to barely comprehensible mock news stories.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In a social situation where a single behavior can lead to accolades (if successful) or public ridicule (if failed), pushing risks past all reason may be understandable, particularly for individuals who have already built their identity and reputation around being an elite risk-taker.—
Christopher Ferguson,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
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Not wishing to linger on the emotional repercussions of these hurtful incidents is understandable, of course.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The frustration was evident during last week’s introductory hearings for budget committees.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Eco effort There’s no single-use plastic evident throughout Katara Towers.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The marijuana dealer, an apparent friend of Tatmon, got into an argument.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
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After the team’s latest loss, LeBron James addressed the ESPN report that detailed Lakers governor Jeanie Buss’ apparent frustrations with the four-time NBA champion.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The demonization of Israel leads to physical attacks on Jews — plain and simple.—
Marc Schneier,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Unlike unsweetened or plain baking chocolate, bittersweet chocolate can contain flavors like vanilla and emulsifiers like soy lecithin.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Consider it a straightforward way to lock in international travel without juggling flights.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
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Here's how to create the optimal environment for seed-starting, plus straightforward tips for increasing your germination success.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In such a world, simple answers won’t do; only the courage to ask the hardest questions will push us forward.—
Daphne Koller,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
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Knox, who committed to wrestle at Rutgers University, and his dad were initially charged with simple assault for purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury after a brawl broke out at Collingswood High School on February.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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