SELF-EXPLANATORY Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

self-explanatory

adjective

Definition of self-explanatory

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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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 self-explanatory The American Civil Liberties Union, which is leading the challenge to the executive order, argues the text of the 14th Amendment is largely self-explanatory. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026 This one is pretty self-explanatory. — Katie Grant, Parents, 4 Mar. 2026 Some of them, like the washtub, are fairly self-explanatory. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory

Adjective

Happy Gilmore is another obvious inspiration (even without the Netflix of it all) whenever Lonnie throws his clubs, talks to his ball, and calls on fans to chant his name before taking a swing.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
That particular prompt may have been rejected for an obvious reason, though.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

By these arguments, an AI proof of a mathematical conjecture that has stubbornly resisted human efforts would be useful only if comprehensible to humans.

— Benjamin Skuse, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2026
Suddenly, Marjane succumbing to sorrow became achingly comprehensible.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026

Definition of comprehensible

Adjective

The comments provide additional context for a return that has included both encouraging signs and understandable growing pains.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
The idea remains fan speculation rather than reported fact, but her announcement history makes the urge to investigate understandable.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 July 2026

Definition of understandable

Adjective

The camaraderie was evident on the ground here in La Guaira, the coastal city where quake damage was most severe, collapsing dozens of buildings.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
That rotation was quite evident in our portfolio across Wednesday and Thursday, with the likes of AI winner Corning selling off hard and once-unloved Johnson & Johnson finishing the week at a record close.

— Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026

Definition of evident

Adjective

Still Clinton, deep down, did not think that voters would give the majority of their votes to Trump and the reasons were numerous and quite apparent – at least to the Democrats.

— Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026
Still, many categories saw the same familiar faces show up, and there’s perhaps nowhere where that’s more apparent than the Animated Series lineup.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

The appeal for Philadelphia, from a basketball standpoint, is straightforward and multi-pronged.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
But while both certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts continue to advertise attractive yields, deciding where to park that money isn't always a straightforward process.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of straightforward

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“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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adjective

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