explanatory

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: serving to explain

explanatory notes

explanatorily

ik-ˌspla-nə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of explanatory

• interpretative
• interpretive
• explanative
• illustrative

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

Even so, finding more explanatory mechanisms hasn’t been top of mind for neuroscientists. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 24 Apr. 2026

His work blends data-visualization with explanatory graphics and motion graphics, covering everything from breaking news to politics to sports. — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 May 2026

In this environment, broad allocation provides less explanatory power. — Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026

Now the castle is in ruins (though with explanatory signage), with hiking paths, a museum, and a 1,200-foot pedestrian suspension bridge that sways 300 feet above the valley floor. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing explanatory

• self-explanatory

Rhymes for explanatory

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

Kids Definition

explanatory

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: serving to explain

explanatory notes

explanatorily

-ˌsplan-ə-ˈtōr-ə-lē 

-ˈtȯr-

adverb