expository

adjective

ex·​pos·​i·​to·​ry ik-ˈspä-zə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: of, relating to, or containing exposition

expository writing

Synonyms of expository

• interpretive
• interpretative
• illustrative
• explanative

Examples of expository in a Sentence

an expository piece on the workings of the internal-combustion engine

Recent Examples on the Web

And even though there are stretches of stagey-sounding expository dialogue, the story manages to wheel along at a clip. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

The film is obvious in telegraphing its spooky sequences and its expository ones. — J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

Yet the book medium, which favors the expository side of Paglen’s practice, can make his artworks feel subordinate to his research. — Louis Bury, ARTnews.com, 1 May 2026

There’s also good dialogue—witty and world-building, instead of merely expository. — Ian MacKenzie, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for expository

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