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

But among the most startling installments is this exploration of the soul icon’s shooting in a seedy Los Angeles motel in 1964. —Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025

Luxury cruise operator Ponant Explorations expanded its partnership with Smithsonian Journeys this week, offering new education- and exploration-focused voyages through 2027. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2025

Ultimately, however, the movie’s greatness lies not just in its exploration of Phillip’s story but in the multiplicity of points of view. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2025

And environmental groups sounded the alarm as oil company ConocoPhillips proposed more oil drilling exploration in Alaska, including drilling four new exploratory wells in the NPRA. —Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 20 Nov. 2025

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