self-explanatory
adjective
self-ex·plan·a·to·ry
ˌself-ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 
: explaining itself : capable of being understood without explanation
Examples of self-explanatory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Filmmakers selected for the festival’s self-explanatory Jio MAMI Select – Filmed on iPhone initiative include Archana Atul Phadke, Faraz Ali, Prateek Vats, Saurav Rai and Saumyananda Sahi.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Nov. 2023
Finally, the last choice is fairly self-explanatory.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2023
This coffee maker was very self-explanatory after reading the directions one time through: The control panel is very easy to read and shows ounces, cups, and single-serve brew options.
—Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2023
The wines themselves are quite approachable, although the list is sometimes less than self-explanatory.
—Pete Wells, New York Times, 19 Sep. 2023
The minimalist control panel was simple for us to get started with, and the buttons felt self-explanatory.
—Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2023
The idea is pretty self-explanatory: Make zero waste—or as little as possible.
—Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 29 Aug. 2023
For anyone who watched Stanford’s play at the line of scrimmage in recent years, Deatrick’s presence on this list should be self-explanatory.
12.
—Jon Wilner | , oregonlive, 28 Aug. 2023
While the name seems self-explanatory, there's more than meets the eye to this bedding essential.
—Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 13 Aug. 2023
See More
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Nov. 2023
Finally, the last choice is fairly self-explanatory.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2023
This coffee maker was very self-explanatory after reading the directions one time through: The control panel is very easy to read and shows ounces, cups, and single-serve brew options.
—Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2023
The wines themselves are quite approachable, although the list is sometimes less than self-explanatory.
—Pete Wells, New York Times, 19 Sep. 2023
The minimalist control panel was simple for us to get started with, and the buttons felt self-explanatory.
—Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2023
The idea is pretty self-explanatory: Make zero waste—or as little as possible.
—Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 29 Aug. 2023
For anyone who watched Stanford’s play at the line of scrimmage in recent years, Deatrick’s presence on this list should be self-explanatory.
12.
—Jon Wilner | , oregonlive, 28 Aug. 2023
While the name seems self-explanatory, there's more than meets the eye to this bedding essential.
—Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 13 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-explanatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1737, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near self-explanatory
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-explanatory. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
self-explanatory
adjective
self-ex·plan·a·to·ry
ˌsel-fik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē,
-ˌtȯr-
: understandable without explanation
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