Thesaurus results for EXPLORATION

exploration

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of exploration

as in investigation

a systematic search for the truth or facts about something an exploration into the disappearance of famed aviator Amelia Earhart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of exploration The noise caused by ships, seismic surveys used in oil exploration, and pile-driving associated with offshore energy projects results in background noise that can disrupt these signals. — Timothy Randhir, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 Codified in 1969, those more stringent and costly restrictions have guided—and greatly limited, some critics say—Mars exploration ever since. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026 The International Seabed Authority, an UNCLOS body that regulates such activities, has issued dozens of exploration contracts that allow governments to survey and map the ocean floor, gather environmental data, and test extraction technologies. — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 From caravan travel and 4WD adventures to camping and off-grid exploration—S2000 delivers extended runtime wherever Australians choose to explore. — New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploration

Noun

FlyDubai, the lower-cost sister carrier of Emirates airlines, said its flights to and from Israel would be suspended while an investigation takes place.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
The seven Chi Phi members in question were suspended, expelled, or faced other consequences, such as writing an essay, but most were allowed to continue their education at the university following a monthslong Title IX investigation.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

Cassidy, who led the inquiry into Saphier's views on vaccines, ultimately voted in support of her nomination.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Even for Adnan’s biggest fans, the documentary beckons us toward further inquiry, her work a site of continuous discovery in language, both visual and written.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of inquiry

Noun

The youth movement, which emerged earlier this year out of anger over high unemployment among young people and leaked examination papers, has grown into a political force.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Writer-director Reed Van Dyk’s feature debut navigates tricky emotional waters but emerges as a trenchant examination of what forgiveness and penitence can look like, allowing no room for anything resembling a pat happy ending.

— Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

In a new study published this week in the journal Antiquity, researchers describe how a group of historians helped discover the early medieval monastery in a stroke of good luck.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026
The eye-popping money will help to speed up construction, with groundbreaking set to start next year and the first Miami students beginning their studies in 2028.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of study

Noun

Euan Ashley is chair of the Department of Medicine at Stanford University and a physician-scientist whose research spans genomics, precision medicine, digital health, and artificial intelligence.

— Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
The Policy Analysis Market (PAM) designed by Polk’s research firm, Net Exchange, for DARPA’s Information Awareness Office was one of many answers to questions raised about the effectiveness of US intelligence following 9/11.

— Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of research

Noun

The Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement the probe was initiated after a complaint from China’s domestic industry.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
The probe, which comes one day after top tech leaders signed a self-regulatory AI accord at the White House, could compel tech CEOs to testify before Congress.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of probe

Browse Nearby Words

exploits

exploration

explorations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Exploration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploration. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of exploration

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

regimen

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes