exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplȯr-ə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce exploratory (audio)
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
exploratory drilling for oil

Examples of exploratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When making any tough decision, the key is not to be overly exploratory or exploitative. Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025 Wiener, 55, has already laid some of the groundwork for a run, raising $1 million through an exploratory committee. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 18 Oct. 2025 Adjacent to Vanderbilt isn’t the only place the company is conducting exploratory boring in Nashville. Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 14 Oct. 2025 Christmas Eve 1776 found Temple at Versailles, the ideal messenger for a sensitive, exploratory overture to the French minister of foreign affairs. Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exploratory

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploratory was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploratory. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery

More from Merriam-Webster on exploratory

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