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

For this couple, like those featured in other such explorations, most of this spending is on items that result from choices, not necessities. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

That will leave the main section of the MMX spacecraft and its four-legged landing gear, known as the exploration module, to move closer to Phobos. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026

The latest is an exploration and collection of artists yapping/talking on a track, or the gift of gab. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO predicts that advances in robotics and space exploration could eventually make conventional money irrelevant. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 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