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

But as his novel goes on, nighttime scenes and vivid memories are replaced by exchanges of purely expository dialogue, which seeks to explain to the reader, point by point, the book’s ghostly developments. — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Moments of great power are interspersed with long expository stretches of clangor and connivance. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026

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

Berling’s Henri, especially, suffers from the film’s disinterest in anyone aside from its central figure; a key scene between him and Gabrielle lays out their history in clumsy expository snippets. — Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 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