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 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 To date, hundreds of exploratory wells have been drilled across the globe. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2026 Those kinds of problem-solving and listening skills took Brian Fork on a similarly exploratory career path. — Douglas A. Hicks, Fortune, 9 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
  • Catering to the Volume, Not the Power User From a purely capitalistic standpoint, power users who demand high literacy, strict prompt adherence, and investigative rigor represent a tiny fraction of Google's user base.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Some recommendations include mandating body cameras for caseworkers and ensuring that people with multiple investigative complaints are disqualified from being adoptive parents.
    — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of investigative
Adjective
  • Tesla is the most speculative of the group, according to Cramer.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The pair will reportedly use a Black/New Emerald/Tour Yellow color combination, one which is represented in the speculative mock-up seen here.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 2 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
  • The judge issued his ruling at the conclusion of a court session Tuesday, which continued the preliminary hearing that was largely held over a week in early July before a nearly two-month recess to prepare for closing arguments.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The prosecution and defense both gave closing arguments Tuesday during the second preliminary hearing since July, which is a limited purpose proceeding held for a judge to determine whether the charges are justified.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • Alongside the latest projections, the agency released a database that categorized occupations based on their theoretical and observed exposure to AI.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
  • One theoretical reason, Flanigan said, is that taking notes by hand creates a more meaningful and deeply processed record of information from a class lecture or meeting.
    — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 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 8 Sep. 2026.

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