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

So, too, will preserving spaces for human intuition and curiosity—the messy, exploratory web journeys that algorithms can’t replicate. —Perry Carpenter, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Aquila Resources conducted exploratory drilling operations in 2012 at the site. —Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025

Through trials involving artisanal processes, students engaged in hands-on, exploratory learning that prioritized material feasibility. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 July 2025

Donna Miller, Democrat Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller entered the Democratic primary race for 2nd Congressional District on July 9 after earlier announcing an exploratory committee made up of south suburban mayors. —Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 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