exploratory

adjective

Definition of exploratorynext
as in experimental
done or created to find something or to learn more about something exploratory drilling for oil

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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 exploratory Eliminating students’ exploratory freedom doesn’t just abstractly limit their creativity. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 County officials emphasized that the project remains in its exploratory phase. — Bytony Atkins, ABC News, 30 July 2026 But this week Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar ​Momeni visited Islamabad for the second time in 10 days to participate in exploratory discussions, according to Reuters. — Chloe Taylor,kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 July 2026 Sharks do not typically view humans as prey, but, as wildlife biologist Forrest Galante explained to OutKick Outdoors, a curious or agitated shark can still do plenty of damage with an exploratory bite. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploratory
  1. experimental
  2. investigative
  3. speculative
  4. tentative
  5. preliminary
  6. theoretical
Adjective
  • Sinkule says the first recipients of the experimental therapy should be scheduled before the end of the year, and that the treatment is roughly two and a half years away from market.
    — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Tarr’s scheme was an international, experimental doctoral school for film studies that ran from 2013 to 2017 in the Bosnian capital.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of experimental
Adjective
  • Randall, now 48, was allowed to visit her son despite having prior convictions for manslaughter, assault and cruelty to a child, and having a warrant for her arrest issued by San Bernardino County authorities, according to an investigative report.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Mills is also facing scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee, which has investigated him since August 2024 and established an investigative subcommittee in November 2025.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigative
Adjective
  • Her work often blends documentary research with speculative fiction to explore technology, institutions, and cultural memory.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Many millennial and Gen Z collectors also view collector cars as speculative trades rather than long-term stores of value.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • WestJet did not disclose details of the tentative agreement, which will now be presented to cabin crew members for a ratification vote.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026
  • To that point, the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires that agency actions observe procedural requirements, generally applies to final agency actions—not tentative or merely conceptual ones.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of tentative
Adjective
  • Iriarte-Valdez waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing.
    — Maddie White, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The grand jury indictment is a major step toward trial and allows prosecutors to skip California’s preliminary hearing process, where evidence is publicly aired.
    — Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • The Virgo Moon moves through your 2nd House of Resources, making spending, pricing, comfort, and self-worth feel more practical than theoretical.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The public comments came shortly after Fauci had privately raised the theoretical possibility that fever and cytokine-related reactions after a second vaccine dose could be associated with first-trimester miscarriage.
    — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of theoretical

Browse Nearby Words

explorations
exploratory
explore
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Cite this Entry

“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploratory. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of exploratory for Spanish Speakers

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