as in obvious
easy to understand without explanation
a self-explanatory phrase The chapter titles of the book are self-explanatory.
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Recent Examples of self-explanatory
The word bombogenesis is a combination of cyclogenesis, which describes the formation of a cyclone or storm, and bomb, which is pretty self-explanatory.
—
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
Still, even when the benefits are self-explanatory, cutting ties is easier said than done, as shown by this statistic.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 9 Feb. 2026
Light switches, which have been self-explanatory since the dawn of electric lighting, apparently now come as an unlabeled multibutton panel that literally required a tutorial session from a technician.
—Jason Fried, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026
The product is fairly self-explanatory and easy to navigate.
—Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
Still, even when the benefits are self-explanatory, cutting ties is easier said than done, as shown by this statistic.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 9 Feb. 2026
Light switches, which have been self-explanatory since the dawn of electric lighting, apparently now come as an unlabeled multibutton panel that literally required a tutorial session from a technician.
—Jason Fried, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026
The product is fairly self-explanatory and easy to navigate.
—Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
-
There are obvious questions there.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
-
This abuse of power was obvious and alarming.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
But Turner will be remembered mostly for the creation and development of the Cable News Network – CNN – which launched in 1980 and made our knowledge of distant events instantaneous and our world more comprehensible.—
Michael J. Socolow,
The Conversation,
7 May 2026
-
The San Francisco Chronicle received the award for explanatory reporting, which means work that makes a complex topic comprehensible to everyday readers and viewers.—
Jennifer Peltz,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Gabrielle’s feelings for Frida are understandable in theory; the latter approaches her with fresh eyes and few demands, giving her space to be something other than problem solver extraordinaire.—
Jon Frosch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
-
The legacy of environmental injustice in Gowanus is real, and skepticism is understandable.—
Michelle de la Uz,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
While the ramifications are currently most evident in Asia, Neumann said that as manufacturing and consumer sentiment decline, that is likely to spill over into other economies that rely on the region for trade.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
That cost was evident in financial markets on Tuesday, with the interest rate charged on British government bonds up by more than those of comparable nations — that shows that investors are putting a higher price on taking on government debt.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
The apparent bear attack took place nearly three decades after the last deadly bear attack in Glacier National Park occurred in 1998 in the Two Medicine Valley.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
-
But their apparent domestic paradise was thrown into disarray when Betty began to suspect her husband was having an affair with his younger office assistant, Linda Kolkena.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Celebrities have kept the plain pointed stiletto in rotation inside the broader white shoe push this spring, especially as the color has moved past bridal dressing and into red carpets, press stops and daytime appearances.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
-
The team also collected artifacts that were often found sitting in plain sight for conservation, protection and research purposes.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Ahead of this week's PGA Championship, where DeChambeau is among the favorites at Aronimink Golf Club, 2002 PGA Championship winner Rich Beem was asked the simple yet not-so-straightforward question about the Tour's potential need for a DeChambeau return.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
-
Now, that might all sound like just common sense and relatively straightforward to achieve.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The useful answer may be simpler than expected once the real priority becomes obvious.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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