explanatory

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: serving to explain

explanatory notes

explanatorily

ik-ˌspla-nə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of explanatory

• interpretative
• interpretive
• explanative
• illustrative

Examples of explanatory in a Sentence

There are explanatory notes at the front of the book.

the explanatory section has as its heading “What the New Tax Changes Mean”

Recent Examples on the Web

The mods think Reddit might have designated the website—and thus any post using its content for explanatory illustrations—as spam. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

The guild’s campaign includes a one-sheet explaining its support for the bill, as well as an entire section on its website dedicated to explanatory information. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 31 July 2026

Tighter supply will reopen the spread between markets, and the map will win back some of its explanatory power. — Tony Julianelle, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

With its grand explanatory ambitions, theory swept away doubt, offering in its place the certitudes of an all-encompassing system. — Literary Hub, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing explanatory

• self-explanatory

Rhymes for explanatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Kids Definition

explanatory

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: serving to explain

explanatory notes

explanatorily

-ˌsplan-ə-ˈtōr-ə-lē 

-ˈtȯr-

adverb