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 The participating organizations have agreed to an initial 12-month exploratory phase to determine which technologies, training programs, and career pathways should be developed. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 The next phase is fieldwork and feedback The subsurface dam project is still in the exploratory phase, and Savage emphasized that a lot of research and outreach would happen before any concrete plans could be made. — Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026 The ships also have a cavernous hangar housing exploratory craft like kayaks, special ops boats, and even submarines. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 12 Aug. 2026 The conversations were exploratory, and no decision was made, the source added. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 11 Aug. 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
  • At the forefront are Moderna and Merck, whose treatment combines a powerful immunotherapy drug with an experimental made-to-order mRNA cancer vaccine.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Laser weapons are moving beyond experimental laboratories and becoming practical tools for destroying drones, rockets, missiles, and other airborne threats.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of experimental
Adjective
  • Boston said the charges followed years of investigative work from the DeKalb Cold Case Task Force, using advanced technology in DNA and genealogy mapping in cold cases.
    — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Regan was allegedly upset with David Green, president of SEIU Local 721 who had just left for the airport, and began randomly screaming at Li, according to the investigative report on the probe commissioned by the state council.
    — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of investigative
Adjective
  • Based on statements from various companies, foreign countries and the White House’s own website, that figure appears to be highly speculative and far higher than the actual sum.
    — Melissa Goldin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Binge is author of speculative thrillers that often blends big sci-fi concepts with psychological horror.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • The adoption of this policy came very late in the summer and after a more tentative earlier policy that mainly confused educators and parents.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • But Democrats have become more tentative to speak on immigration since the Obama years.
    — Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of tentative
Adjective
  • Scrutiny of the project would later intensify after preliminary designs were released late last year.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But Huby’s bigger passion has always been human spaceflight, and her company has begun preliminary work on a crew spacecraft that could serve either the International Space Station or private space stations under development by US companies.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • Though the math on this is pretty simple, the massive figure leaves more questions around the theoretical payout than answers.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 10 Sep. 2026
  • For readers who understood music better than theoretical physics, Sessions simplified Einstein’s thinking without oversimplifying it.
    — Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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