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 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 Jackson had filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday to launch a Senate exploratory committee. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Among the potential contenders to take his place is Troy Jackson, the former Democratic president of the Maine state Senate (an exploratory committee filed official paperwork on his behalf). — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 8 July 2026 An exploratory committee has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on behalf of Jackson. — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 8 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
  • Sinkule says the first recipients of the experimental therapy should be scheduled before the end of the year, and that the treatment is roughly two and a half years away from market.
    — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Tarr’s scheme was an international, experimental doctoral school for film studies that ran from 2013 to 2017 in the Bosnian capital.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of experimental
Adjective
  • When a camera is taken offline, an investigative lead can disappear, and a time-sensitive alert tied to an AMBER Alert, a missing-person case, or a violent crime suspect on the move may never reach the officers who need it.
    — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The space company’s chief executive, Dave Limp, said investigative work is continuing into the anomaly that happened during a hot-fire test of the rocket during the evening of May 28, 2026.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigative
Adjective
  • This view is consistent with broader market data showing capital flowing toward defensible, cash-generative services businesses, and with the sharp repricing of speculative software valuations since 2022.
    — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Possible successors Kim Jong-Un has not publicly designated a successor, and assessments of North Korea’s future leadership remain largely speculative.
    — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • WestJet did not disclose details of the tentative agreement, which will now be presented to cabin crew members for a ratification vote.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026
  • To that point, the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires that agency actions observe procedural requirements, generally applies to final agency actions—not tentative or merely conceptual ones.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of tentative
Adjective
  • Jakoi placed second in the 100-meter preliminary event and fourth in the 200-meter preliminary event, according to online meet results as of Tuesday night.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • After a highly competitive preliminary audition process, six finalists from across the country were selected to compete in the final round.
    — Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • For Hinton, that danger is no longer theoretical enough to dismiss.
    — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Depending on the rear sprocket fitted, the bike's potential top speed can be geared anywhere from 160 mph (257 km/h) to a theoretical 270+ mph (434 km/h).
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of exploratory for Spanish Speakers

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