exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplȯr-ə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce exploratory (audio)
Synonyms of exploratorynext
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
exploratory drilling for oil

Examples of exploratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In June 2026 an exploratory committee for Bovino launched the Bovino for President website. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026 Diverse and exploratory behavior gradually gave way to persistent repetition. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026 The talks are exploratory, and no decisions have been ​made, one of the sources told Reuters. — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026 Outside of a couple of ensuing exploratory talks, Kaepernick never came close to a comeback. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploratory

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploratory was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing exploratory

Rhymes for exploratory

See All Rhymes for exploratory

Browse Nearby Words

explorative
exploratory
exploratory surgery
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploratory. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exploratory

adjective
ex·​plor·​a·​to·​ry
ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, 
-ˌtȯr-
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory drilling for oil
an exploratory trip
exploratory surgery

Medical Definition

exploratory

adjective
ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˈsplȯr-, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce exploratory (audio)
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery

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