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
Fine, well, what about the self-explanatory More Money Than Sense by Lord Kitchener?
—
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
The photograph—one of a series of some 52 large and 101 smaller stereo views Gardner made around the fort—appears as a seemingly self-explanatory illustration in books about the Indian Wars.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
The last two are is pretty self-explanatory, but the gripper is a little more interesting.
—New Atlas, 11 Sep. 2025
Some of these are self-explanatory.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
The photograph—one of a series of some 52 large and 101 smaller stereo views Gardner made around the fort—appears as a seemingly self-explanatory illustration in books about the Indian Wars.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
The last two are is pretty self-explanatory, but the gripper is a little more interesting.
—New Atlas, 11 Sep. 2025
Some of these are self-explanatory.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
-
The single-minded obsession with Mamdani’s talk of affordability, while convenient for the mayor-elect and a vital part of his appeal, also misses an obvious point.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Could the Cavs tinker just a little more to take advantage of his efficiency and obvious talent, even when everyone else is healthy?—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The idea is to make worker feedback less intimidating for companies by turning it into easily comprehensible data and action items.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Aug. 2025
-
In the lab, Goldie’s thoughts circled and surrounded the minutiae of analysis and computation, sorted microscopic comparisons, developed overviews that laid out sequences and processes logically and accurately in theories not otherwise comprehensible.—
Annie Proulx,
New Yorker,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The animating impulse behind Proposition 50 is understandable.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Gary’s desperation throughout the episode is understandable.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
But Bode's pointed delivery, and the reaction of the crowd, suggested that the comment carried an evident double meaning in the current political climate.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
-
This is evident in their signature programs, such as those that recognize excellence among teachers, coaches, and healthcare workers, as well as initiatives that bring the community together to enjoy great local restaurants on the firm’s tab.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Prince Harry apologized for his apparent support of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2025 World Series.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Watson, in an apparent spur-of-the-moment remark, announced that the project would devote 3 to 5 percent of its budget to the study of bioethics.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Freshly caught fish often hang in plain sight, and the selection changes so frequently that a whiteboard keeps track of what’s available.—
Aaron Randolph,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
-
To create your own, write a name on a plain paper gift tag.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
According to Blair, the two members on shift would often organize alternative sleeping rotas that left just one individual with a straightforward password and all the power.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
In straightforward and compelling prose, Sammy, then 40, tells the story of his vaudeville beginnings, his growth as an entertainer, and his movement through America.—
Questlove,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
According to Bruce Blair, a former Air Force launch officer and nuclear policy expert, between 1962 and the mid-1970s the most powerful digits on the globe were simple – eight zeros.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
That something as simple as a COVID vaccine might improve survival in cancer patients receiving standard immunotherapy has taken oncologists by surprise — in a good way.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share