exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

-ˌsplȯ-

: the act or an instance of exploring

explorational

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌsplȯ-

adjective

Synonyms

• investigation
• inquiry
• examination
• study
• probing
• research
• probe

Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration

the early exploration of the West

early explorations of the West

Recent Examples on the Web

Watch Nyad on Netflix Rustin From the director of 2020's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom comes a long-overdue exploration of a story that has been all but erased from the civil rights movement. —Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

For the moment, various brainstorming and armchair analyses are yielding some interesting and potentially useful insights worthy of further exploration. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Bahia Honda State Park For people who want a little bit of history, relaxation, and exploration, Bahia Honda State Park is the perfect place to visit. —Teaghan Skulszki, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025

The Indonesian actor was particularly drawn to the film’s exploration of child trafficking in Southeast Asia. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exploration

• re-exploration
• self-exploration

Rhymes for exploration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

: the act or an instance of exploring