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

Of course, that’s an extraordinary literal reading, perhaps one not warranted by such circuitous, exploratory music. —Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026

While rumination is repetitive and emotionally sticky, mental simulation is flexible and exploratory. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026

That decision, even if only for exploratory purposes, should be left to a Congress whose majority isn’t addled by either devotion to Trump or fear of him. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026

That narrative convergence happens amusingly when Jimmy Ink is on an exploratory foray. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 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