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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Recent Examples of self-explanatory
Cucumber Slices: This is pretty self-explanatory, but for this: Most Gordon’s Cups you’ll be served will be a pulpy soup of battered cucumbers and lime wedges.
—
Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 7 June 2025
The runes thing is self-explanatory, as runs will now be more rewarding.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Then there’s kicker Tyler Bass, which will be self-explanatory based on results, and running back Ty Johnson, who is likely directly correlated to what happens with Cook.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Salt, self-explanatory; fat, for flavor; acid, to brighten a dish; and heat, from spices and the fire on which food is cooked.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 7 June 2025
The runes thing is self-explanatory, as runs will now be more rewarding.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Then there’s kicker Tyler Bass, which will be self-explanatory based on results, and running back Ty Johnson, who is likely directly correlated to what happens with Cook.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Salt, self-explanatory; fat, for flavor; acid, to brighten a dish; and heat, from spices and the fire on which food is cooked.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
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But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
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But Cate mentioned obvious areas of interest such as housing, infrastructure, regulations, taxes and fees, trade and the overall cost of living.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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Election officials, civil society groups and researchers can teach how audits work, host open-source verification demonstrations and ensure that high-tech electoral processes are comprehensible to voters.—
Bruce Schneier,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
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In this quest, the reader often finds that through the understanding of the fictional, the real becomes more comprehensible.—
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim,
The Dial,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Turchin family’s lifelong passion for art and design was evident across all the rooms.—
Kate Van Dyke,
Travel + Leisure,
28 June 2025
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That reality is evident almost just from the scale.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Other Demographic Differences Women’s second fall persistence rate (79.3%) exceeded that of men (76.3%), continuing a trend that’s been apparent for several years.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Birdsong’s apparent beanball came in the exact time and place that the unwritten rules prescribe: two outs, bases empty, first pitch.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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This was a more straightforward implementation than expected.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Photo Credit: Emma Falk Via The Chicago Sky Lee advised the group to be straightforward and authentic and to maximize their time.—
Essence,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Opponents and legal scholars maintain that the plain meaning and historical intent of the 14th Amendment protect those children's citizenship, and federal courts have repeatedly ruled against the Trump administration's interpretation.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
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As a departure from the era of plain skinny ties, Lauren's wide, colorful neckties broke the mold, and his company grew from there.—
Diane J. Cho,
People.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
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And given that toppers were developed specifically as a lighter, simpler alternative to full-bodied campers, designed to fit within limited midsize truck payloads, that extra beef is a definite problem for some shoppers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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To help guide you through the rest of summer and beyond, dermatologists help break down what body acne is, how to treat it, and the best kinds of products to have in rotation for smoother, clearer skin all over.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
28 June 2025
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Instead, it must be positioned as a tool to enhance learning and creativity, with clear boundaries to prevent overuse.—
Glenn Llopis,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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