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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-explanatory
Then there’s kicker Tyler Bass, which will be self-explanatory based on results, and running back Ty Johnson, who is likely directly correlated to what happens with Cook.
—
Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Salt, self-explanatory; fat, for flavor; acid, to brighten a dish; and heat, from spices and the fire on which food is cooked.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
That Meta would be trying to restrain an EU out to harm its business is self-explanatory.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The case for the Thunder and the Cavaliers both comfortably advancing is self-explanatory.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Salt, self-explanatory; fat, for flavor; acid, to brighten a dish; and heat, from spices and the fire on which food is cooked.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
That Meta would be trying to restrain an EU out to harm its business is self-explanatory.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
The case for the Thunder and the Cavaliers both comfortably advancing is self-explanatory.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
-
But Cate mentioned obvious areas of interest such as housing, infrastructure, regulations, taxes and fees, trade and the overall cost of living.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 June 2025
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But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
Nearby conversations are clear enough as to be comprehensible.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
6 May 2025
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An example would be upstream CX changes that help eliminate downstream, cost-inflating customer inquiries (e.g., better product assembly instructions, clearer and more comprehensible invoices, more seamless product return procedures, and even just better expectation-setting at point-of-sale).—
Jon Picoult,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks delivered superior returns with less risk compared to the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster experience, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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His contrition and regret were evident both through his words and his body language.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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Other Demographic Differences Women’s second fall persistence rate (79.3%) exceeded that of men (76.3%), continuing a trend that’s been apparent for several years.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Birdsong’s apparent beanball came in the exact time and place that the unwritten rules prescribe: two outs, bases empty, first pitch.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Questions on straightforward topics, like high school history, produced up to six times fewer emissions than subjects like abstract algebra or philosophy, which required lengthy reasoning processes.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
19 June 2025
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The data is pretty straightforward: Ticket prices just keep getting more expensive.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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The story itself is stripped to bone and sinew: a sleepy New England beach town that wants tourist dollars more than truth, an invisible killer in plain water, and three men — one scared sheriff, one cocky scientist, one Ahab of a fisherman — set adrift to settle nature’s score.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
19 June 2025
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The smug and sanctimonious tenor of their briefing makes that plain.—
Christie D’Zurilla,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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In his formal lecture to the Academy, Campbell offered some reflections on the simple science that gave rise to the treatment, and to its wide array of applications.—
Benjamin Mazer,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2025
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The simplest way to achieve your goal may be a version of the truth that’s not the whole truth.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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For some, a cancer diagnosis can help make the future clear, Ammon says.—
Korin Miller,
Flow Space,
16 June 2025
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The lake’s quiet coves and clear water also offer some of the South’s finest (and most underrated) fishing opportunities for fly anglers.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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