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
  • On Uncle, fish narc sheds his past experimental impulses and finds a new identity within ebullient, feel-good college rock.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Spanish scientists have developed an experimental type of self-disinfecting cotton fabric, which is activated via ordinary white light.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 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
  • There are also plans afoot by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) called SNA3G, which are preliminary plans for an eventual replacement of the Suffren-class in the future.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Martelly’s name was among 16 listed Friday on the Provisional Electoral Council’s website as having preliminary registered to run.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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