exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplȯr-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: of, relating to, or being exploration

exploratory surgery

exploratory drilling for oil

Examples of exploratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The New York cello-saxophone duo trades the strictures of classical music for more exploratory tones and textures, fusing the expansiveness of film scores with the immediacy of pop. —Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 11 June 2026

By the end of the trial, the mice displayed major improvements in movement, gait, coordination, and exploratory behavior. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 June 2026

Outdoor recreation improves mental health and cognitive clarity, strengthens immune and heart function and supports healthy childhood development through free and exploratory play. —Jessica Turner, USA Today, 1 June 2026

These are not exploratory inquiries. —Imri Marcus, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exploratory

• exploratory surgery

Rhymes for exploratory

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

Kids Definition

exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​a·​to·​ry

ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, 

-ˌtȯr-

: of, relating to, or being exploration

exploratory drilling for oil

an exploratory trip

exploratory surgery

Medical Definition

exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˈsplȯr-, -ˌtȯr- 

: of, relating to, or being exploration

exploratory surgery