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 Diverse and exploratory behavior gradually gave way to persistent repetition. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026 The talks are exploratory, and no decisions have been ​made, one of the sources told Reuters. — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026 Outside of a couple of ensuing exploratory talks, Kaepernick never came close to a comeback. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 And that kind of thing is more exploratory — talking to people, that sort of stuff. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 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
  • The people-watching can be just as good as the art, as creative types from around the city come here to find inspiration—especially during the summer months, when the museum throws its popular experimental music parties called Warm Up.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Elsewhere, Arca took festival glam into more experimental territory with graphic liner and a delicate flush of pink, while Elisha Herbert embraced a smoky, high-shine look for Mugler.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of experimental
Adjective
  • The Bend Police Department remains the lead investigative agency, Schmidt said.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Further investigative projects are being developed around exclusive access to compelling real-life stories.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of investigative
Adjective
  • The author’s latest speculative dystopian fiction features parallel universes that explore alternate realities — and doppelgangers that stumble between the two.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The building, the paper said, reflected how big the speculative side of the oil trade had become.
    — Brian C. Black, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • The current tentative production target has been set for 2028.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The tentative ordinance second reading is scheduled for December 15, and the law would go into effect 30 days after the second reading.
    — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of tentative
Adjective
  • However, preliminary readings from the National Weather Service recorded no rain in Santa Clarita.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Across the country, the preliminary assessment identified damage to seven hotels, 13 churches, 26 government buildings and four residential apartment buildings, in addition to the homes, schools and healthcare facilities already counted.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • The measurements showed relatively strong emission from the single crystal, consistent with theoretical predictions.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Planning for a theoretical catastrophe can lead clients in unexpected directions.
    — Megan Buerger, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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