explanatory

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: serving to explain

explanatory notes

explanatorily

ik-ˌspla-nə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of explanatory

• interpretative
• interpretive
• explanative
• illustrative

Examples of explanatory in a Sentence

There are explanatory notes at the front of the book.

the explanatory section has as its heading “What the New Tax Changes Mean”

Recent Examples on the Web

As the series continues, however, Kazan plays up the explanatory power of an incident from Cathy’s childhood. — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026

For a writer so given to cultural reference, intellectual genealogy, and various explanatory apparatuses, this failure of language is unexpectedly liberating to read. — Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Alongside many objects is an explanatory note handwritten on hotel stationery with his trusty Lamy pen, which is available for purchase for 55 euros. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

And now, in perhaps the most ridiculous and explanatory example of the league's fandom, has seen her name banned from the WNBA subreddit. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing explanatory

• self-explanatory

Rhymes for explanatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Kids Definition

explanatory

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: serving to explain

explanatory notes

explanatorily

-ˌsplan-ə-ˈtōr-ə-lē 

-ˈtȯr-

adverb