declaratory

adjective

de·​clar·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈkler-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

1

: serving to declare, set forth, or explain

2

a

: declaring what is the existing law

declaratory statute

b

: declaring a legal right or interpretation

a declaratory judgment

Examples of declaratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In May, after initially agreeing to defend the sports commission against lawsuits from shooting victims, Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters Insurance Company filed declaratory judgments in federal court, aiming to deny coverage to the sports commission. —Pj Green july 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2025

The plaintiffs want a declaratory judgment that the 2020 comprehensive plan amendment approval and rezoning be voided by the court, according to the lawsuit. —Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025

The lawsuit is seeking a declaratory judgment, which essentially would clarify the legality of the non-compete clause. —Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 10 July 2025

The original suit filed in June 2022 alleged copyright infringement, declaratory relief, accounting, and unjust enrichment. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for declaratory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Legal Definition

declaratory

adjective

de·​clar·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈklar-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

: serving to declare, set forth, or explain: as

a

: declaring what is the existing law

b

: declaring a legal right or interpretation

declaratory relief

see also declaratory judgment at judgment sense 1a