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 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

For all his obvious qualities in attack, Ruiz also praises Kvaratskhelia’s defensive work.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Jacob Klein, Anthropic’s head of threat intelligence, told The New York Times that the situation rarely involves obvious declarations of malicious intent.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

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
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

Definition of comprehensible

Adjective

That project needed to be built over railroad tracks, so the delay there is more understandable.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Bob Frid / Imagn Images The reaction from around the NHL to Zeev Buium’s eight-year extension is understandable.

— Thomas Drance, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of understandable

Adjective

That wasn’t for a lack of skill, though, and his repertoire has again been evident this summer during another productive training camp.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
That was quite evident at Evans on Saturday afternoon in this year’s edition of the Soul Bowl.

— Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of evident

Adjective

His managerial shortcomings have been apparent at times, and his expiring contract made everything seemingly less complicated.

— Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Eco effort The Rosewood group has a green initiative that includes energy conservation, prioritizing sustainability, and embracing a sense of place, but specifics about the Vienna hotel weren’t apparent.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Customers who want waffles at No Knife will pay anywhere from $15 for a plain one to $45 for a waffle topped with collard greens, candied yams, and mac and cheese.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026
The Democratic candidates won at the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, where a judges’ panel found that the FCC public notice contradicts the plain language of US law that limits the discount to individual candidates.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of plain

Adjective

What might have been an exciting matchup between two power hitters was instead a straightforward drubbing, largely because Osaka couldn’t serve at full power.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Grab this straightforward daily workhorse for a solid $180 off.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

Underpinning this assessment is the fact that disagreements between the two nations have gradually expanded beyond simple tariff disputes.

— , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
In simple terms, cherry juice targets the muscle inflammation caused by exercise, known as oxidative stress.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-explanatory

adjective

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