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

Programs are not required to obtain exemptions, but ABC chose to file a petition for declaratory ruling in 2000 because The View was planning to invite more political candidates onto the show. —Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026

Resilience is seeking a declaratory judgment that Ramco cannot evict Resilience. —Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

As the first plaintiff in the class-action case, Gomez is demanding a trial by jury as well as declaratory and injunctive relief—that Nike rectify its wrongful actions—as well as an award of punitive damages for herself and other signatories of the suit. —Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026

According to the suit, Jean's family wants the court to enter a declaratory judgement against the city. —Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 6 Apr. 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