declaratory

adjective

de·​clar·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈkler-ə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce declaratory (audio)
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 declaratory lawsuit against the SEC is not an isolated event. Tonya Evans, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 Since Iranian leaders doubt that the United States will use force to prevent them from advancing their nuclear program, the Biden administration will need to take several steps to make its declaratory policy credible. Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 6 July 2022 Even after the arbitration victory, Goldstine had to go to court for a declaratory judgment clearing him of wrongdoing before Warner Bros. would hire him for his current job as president of worldwide marketing. Kim Masters, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Aug. 2024 Finally, to lend further credence to its declaratory policy, the United States should provide additional military assistance to Israel. Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 6 July 2022 See all Example Sentences for declaratory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'declaratory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of declaratory was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near declaratory

Cite this Entry

“Declaratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/declaratory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Legal Definition

declaratory

adjective
de·​clar·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈklar-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce declaratory (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on declaratory

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