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

The outlets are seeking a temporary restraining order and injunction to prohibit the ban from being enforced and to require that their access be restored, as well as a declaratory ruling. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026

Black, in his lawsuit, is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief preventing the committee from compelling compliance with the subpoenas. — John Parkinson, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

The lawsuit was filed in Travis County and seeks a declaratory judgment and injunctions. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

The lawsuit is seeking a declaratory judgement that Logitech must give IEEPA tariff refund proceeds to customers. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

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