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
-
Make kind choices and keep boundaries obvious.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Apr. 2026
-
That said, the presence of companies concerned with defense, security, and sensitive radar systems among the apparent ultimate targets raises obvious red flags.—
Jessica Klein,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Dahl’s revulsion at the violence committed in Israel’s name is at once comprehensible, in and of itself, and rooted in Dahl’s set of antisemitic beliefs.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Davis is wry and quietly defiant of stereotype, her Elaine’s composure hard-won and her sacrifice of certain kinds of sympathy fully comprehensible.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
So, seeing her back on the Today show felt like an understandable step, despite the ongoing investigation.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
13 Apr. 2026
-
His mindset was more than understandable.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But Bank of England policymakers will be keeping a beady eye on whether the evident inflation spike starts to spread through the economy, via higher wages for example.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Sources of upside Unexpected sources of upside in individual stocks should be evident in key performance indicators beyond simple earnings per share, Wilson noted.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That said, the presence of companies concerned with defense, security, and sensitive radar systems among the apparent ultimate targets raises obvious red flags.—
Jessica Klein,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The following year, Salling died at age 35 of an apparent suicide.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In plain language, that means that the Pocket 4 was submitted to the FCC, but did not get the okay from the agency ahead of DJI securing a place on the Covered List.—
Jim Fisher,
PC Magazine,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The 62nd overall selection is khaki pants and plain white t-shirt.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That wasn’t going to be straightforward even before the war.—
Alaa Shahine Salha,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Portage senior right-hander Kaleb Hacker’s approach on the mound has been straightforward this season.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The overall aesthetic was slightly ascetic without being spartan—a pale, neutral color palette; simple, modern furniture; a few pieces of abstract art.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
This translates to the Gap cardigan sweater and the Levi’s shorts paired with the flats for a simple, slightly elevated look that feels comfortable.—
Isis Briones,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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