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
Hair loss is self-explanatory and dryness is caused by damage to the outer layer of the cuticle and results in moisture loss and coarse, dull hair.
—
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025
Blocked is self-explanatory—the child simply cannot use a blocked app.
—PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025
This one's charms feel self-explanatory: Who isn't at least a little fascinated by witchcraft?
—Colin Dwyer, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025
On Loading Basic loading is pretty self-explanatory.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025
Blocked is self-explanatory—the child simply cannot use a blocked app.
—PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025
This one's charms feel self-explanatory: Who isn't at least a little fascinated by witchcraft?
—Colin Dwyer, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025
On Loading Basic loading is pretty self-explanatory.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
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But the ‘Harry Potter’ films, ‘Lord Of The Rings,’ ‘Schindler’s List,’ ‘Mission Impossible,’ ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Aviator’ and so many more are U.S films that shot overseas for obvious reasons.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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True to form, the Wiz system is way cheaper than the Philips Hue version without any obvious compromises (to my eye).—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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An example would be upstream CX changes that help eliminate downstream, cost-inflating customer inquiries (e.g., better product assembly instructions, clearer and more comprehensible invoices, more seamless product return procedures, and even just better expectation-setting at point-of-sale).—
Jon Picoult,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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For patients to benefit fully from AI, there must be clear and comprehensible explanations of how these systems work and how they are evaluated.—
Rob El Kareh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Acidity dominants, as with many 2024 Bordeaux wines, but complexity is evident in this light juice with fine flavors of young red fruit.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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Toxic takeover completed a few months before, the Glazer brothers — Joel, Avie and Bryan — were attending their first match at Old Trafford as owners of Manchester United and a new way of thinking was evident.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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On their way home to Melbourne, Cave claims their meal at a local pub was interrupted by an apparent interaction with Cage.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
9 May 2025
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Despite some apparent limitations in the group, there’s a dual purpose to their playing time.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Pony Bead Pumpkins Ideal for the autumnal season, this adorable and straightforward seasonal craft uses pipe cleaners and beads to create three-dimensional pumpkins perfect for displaying on the mantle or your Thanksgiving tablescape.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
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The most straightforward data point is the growth rate of gross domestic product, or GDP.—
Erica E. Phillips,
Hartford Courant,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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During Kenya’s mass protests last year, demonstrators created chatbots to explain complex legislation in plain language to help their peers understand its impact.—
Erika Page,
Christian Science Monitor,
10 May 2025
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There are date-night options ranging from the expensive to the affordable, from the romantic to the just plain fun.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Style them with a simple tank for a casual day out, or add a blazer and ballet flats for a more polished airport look.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2025
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While rectal cancers can be detected with a simple MRI scan, other cancer types are more difficult.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Taken together, the studies provide the clearest evidence yet that birds and mammals independently evolved brain regions for complex cognition.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Wired News,
11 May 2025
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Subtle but clear involuntary changes allowed for the patient to have their condition plotted on a scale – something that takes the onus away from less reliable self-reporting.—
Bronwyn Thompson,
New Atlas,
11 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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