explanatory

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce explanatory (audio)
: serving to explain
explanatory notes
explanatorily adverb

Examples of explanatory in a Sentence

There are explanatory notes at the front of the book. the explanatory section has as its heading “What the New Tax Changes Mean”
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
People are entities that generate explanatory knowledge: reasons, theories, models. Philip Maymin, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Pallarés, though, thought this traditional idea lacked a bit of explanatory power. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025 The curved, accessible walkways are clearly signed and more than one explanatory exhibit demonstrates the superiority of planting indigenous or highly adaptive plants. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 Even in previous eras, doctors were quick to spot any indication of stress and nervousness in a patient and ascribe to it a certain explanatory power. Tom Zeller Jr. july 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for explanatory

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of explanatory was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanatory. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

explanatory

adjective
ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce explanatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: serving to explain
explanatory notes
explanatorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on explanatory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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