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

With its grand explanatory ambitions, theory swept away doubt, offering in its place the certitudes of an all-encompassing system. — Literary Hub, 21 July 2026

Several awards recognized accountability and explanatory reporting. — Bryce Martin, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. — ABC News, 1 July 2026

There are a lot of explanatory factors, and one is OGX's Renewing Penetrating Argan Hair Oil. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 23 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