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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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 self-explanatory Most of these tools are self-explanatory, such as delays, but some are a little harder to understand at a glance. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026 Hair loss is self-explanatory, while dryness results from damage to the outer layer of the cuticle, leading to moisture loss and hair that feels coarse and appears dull. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 June 2026 While settings like Normal and Delicates are fairly self-explanatory, the Heavy Duty cycle often leaves people guessing. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 June 2026 The skit was fairly self-explanatory, as Ferrell portrayed Trebek while asking simple questions to struggling celebrities. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory

Adjective

Venus in your sign opposes the Moon in your partnership zone, increasing attraction while making differences in comfort, affection, or timing more obvious.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
Perhaps those ratios seem obvious; just about half the money from a little less than half the screens.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

The only problem is that the lyrics aren’t really more comprehensible than actual Katseye jams.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2026
Without more straightforward approaches from vendors, such as easily comprehensible privacy policies and avoiding inappropriate ads, monitors are dangerously encroaching into smart-TV-like territory.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of comprehensible

Adjective

And his respect for how Mario Cristobal has built UM’s program was evident in unsolicited comments this week.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Stuhlbarg, whose Vice President tends to cower in terror in the corner of the frame, becomes particularly evident as the movie’s comic secret weapon upon closer examination.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of evident

Adjective

This change is apparent in the fact that European governments, too, are cutting funding for religious freedom advocacy.

— Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Ken Urker, the partner of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, made comments about being depressed before being found dead in his Louisiana home from an apparent drug overdose, authorities said.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

The beginning of Between Worlds functions as a kind of prelude, offering a straightforward primer on Said.

— Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
That makes the result interesting, but also means the run should not be treated as a straightforward test of how well an AI can navigate an unmodified commercial game world.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

That single choice unleashes a harrowing chain of strange and terrifying events in the dead of night, turning a simple gesture of kindness into a real-life nightmare.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Waffles and pimento Another enduring element of Chick-fil-A is its famously simple menu.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of simple

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“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-explanatory

adjective

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