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

These reveal problems that might not be obvious in the short term, such as liver damage, as well as underlying conditions that could turn minor issues into something serious.

— Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
If there are lessons from the 2025 wave of crypto IPOs, the most obvious is that investors should proceed with caution.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

New York University mathematician Roland Bauerschmidt says the first of these papers is both groundbreaking and comprehensible.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026
The only problem is that the lyrics aren’t really more comprehensible than actual Katseye jams.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of comprehensible

Adjective

The guardedness is understandable, as the threat of poaching is still everywhere.

— Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Songwriters on Process Songwriters on Process zeroes in on the writing more than the song, understandable given its host, Ben Opipari, holds a PhD in English language and literature.

— Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of understandable

Adjective

The brasserie has Provençal leanings evident in a few of the menu’s flourishes—crisp triangular panisses with a garlicky aioli, a pinky-peach sauce algérienne for dipping your fries.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
And something more substantial, even, than the ongoing oddity of just where Washington Square Park fits into the scheme of things as it’s gone from an evident linchpin of the project to an apparent afterthought.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of evident

Adjective

One account describes an unusual encounter that raises questions about the object’s flight characteristics and apparent lack of detectable heat.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Commenters seem amused by the apparent gaffe and have chosen to convey their feelings through a plethora of puns, jokes and memes.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

For example, users could ask ChatGPT to explain an article in plain English, summarize its main argument and supporting evidence, or answer questions about a YouTube video.

— Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 18 Oct. 2026
Before running an unfamiliar command, paste it into a plain-text editor and compare it with the instructions.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of plain

Adjective

The resulting songs are refreshingly straightforward, and self-aware about it.

— Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
Giving Americans $1,000 or $5,000 invested in a technology index is a straightforward idea; The source and use of the funds will likely be of great debate.

— Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of straightforward

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

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Synonyms of self-explanatory

adjective

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