exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

-ˌsplȯ-

: the act or an instance of exploring

explorational

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌsplȯ-

adjective

Synonyms of exploration

• investigation
• inquiry
• examination
• study
• probing
• research
• probe

Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration

the early exploration of the West

early explorations of the West

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, increasingly large cohorts of baby boomers hit the labor market just as spending on defense, space exploration and infrastructure like interstate highways and dams fell. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2026

Originally developed for scientific research and resource exploration, the device could have important military applications too. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026

The second photo was taken April 2, 2026, during Artemis II, which won't include a lunar landing but paves the way for future landings and space exploration. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026

Released just one year before Apollo 11, the film contributed to a cultural atmosphere that treated space exploration as an achievable frontier rather than fantasy. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exploration

• re-exploration
• self-exploration

Rhymes for exploration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

: the act or an instance of exploring