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

This was in addition to other surveys the school conducted during its exploratory process, Cruz said. —Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 29 Sep. 2025

This experimental mindset satisfies your brain’s need for action while keeping your approach to uncertainty exploratory. —Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025

Tyler uses melodic foundations to launch exploratory journeys, with nods to his training in bluegrass and classical music. —John Briley, Outside, 28 Sep. 2025

The European Union, meanwhile, has supported studies on helium-3 extraction and backed technology demonstrations, but its role remains more exploratory and cooperative than competitive. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025

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