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

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

In March 2025, Brooks hired Shipman’s firm to represent Winthrop in a declaratory action filed by Kelly and the couple’s two children. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Legally speaking, a lawsuit could be filed for declaratory relief seeking a court order that would force the board to enforce the association’s governing documents, but such litigation would be costly. —Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 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