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.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory

Adjective

The switcheroo trend is one more lighthearted example of internet prank culture, with successful clips in the genre using comically obvious edits to highlight the misdirection and avoid any real danger of defamation.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
That connection seems obvious at the linebacker position, on the outside and inside with Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese, the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

— Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

In fact, the film’s story would still be comprehensible if its few subtitles were removed (one of Murnau’s earlier silents — 1924’s The Last Laugh — has no titles whatsoever).

— Tim Page, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
Like a lot of your work, the joke underscoring this new song and video is incredibly niche and also evidently instantly comprehensible to millions of people.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of comprehensible

Adjective

There are understandable concerns over the drain of leadership and experience following the exits of Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
That makes the Dodgers' decision to continue giving Tucker opportunities understandable.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of understandable

Adjective

That was particularly evident as the club looked to replace franchise shortstop Dansby Swanson, whose absence has forced an infield shuffle and several changes to the big-league roster.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
His separation and quickness were always evident, and despite being a bit undersized, his type of game can succeed at the NFL level.

— Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of evident

Adjective

Banks and financial market infrastructure (FMIs) are getting serious about blockchain again, something that is becoming increasingly apparent in light of major announcements from global banks and financial institutions.

— Ravi Chamria, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Thompson is the backup to Quentin Johnston, who limped off the practice field with an apparent leg injury this week and didn’t dress for the preseason game.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

That may still be the case in the coming weeks, but the second episode of HBO’s Lanterns makes for a fairly solid (if simple and straightforward) follow-up with some wildly entertaining moments.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 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 straightforward

Adjective

Waist circumference is one simple way to estimate visceral fat.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
From a straightforward season-long points race to giving the points leader a cushion on the leaderboard, and now the simple format of awarding the FedEx Cup to the winner of the Tour Championship, the postseason has long needed a boost.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of simple

Cite this Entry

Style

“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of self-explanatory

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

devolve

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes