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

Black is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief preventing the committee from compelling compliance with the subpoenas. — John Parkinson, ABC News, 3 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

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, attorneys fees and costs and declaratory relief. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026

The next day, the Pac-12 filed a declaratory action in federal court, arguing that the poaching penalties constituted an unlawful restraint on competition. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 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