exploratory

adjective

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

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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
  • What starts as a reasonable desire to prevent disease can escalate into constant testing and rigid routines built around an ever-growing roster of supplements and experimental remedies.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • After the experimental procedure, John missed the entire 1975 season before returning to the big leagues and pitching all the way through the 1989 season.
    — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 16 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
  • Less than 48 hours later, the district approved a tentative contract with the teachers union, promising double-digit wage increases for educators over the next two years.
    — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The tentative budget is available for viewing online and in-person at the district’s Administrative Center, at 310 Seminary Ave.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 14 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploratory. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on exploratory

Nglish: Translation of exploratory for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of oxymoron

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All