exploration

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
Definition of explorationnext
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something an exploration into the disappearance of famed aviator Amelia Earhart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 exploration The noise caused by ships, seismic surveys used in oil exploration, and pile-driving associated with offshore energy projects results in background noise that can disrupt these signals. — Timothy Randhir, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 Codified in 1969, those more stringent and costly restrictions have guided—and greatly limited, some critics say—Mars exploration ever since. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026 The International Seabed Authority, an UNCLOS body that regulates such activities, has issued dozens of exploration contracts that allow governments to survey and map the ocean floor, gather environmental data, and test extraction technologies. — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 From caravan travel and 4WD adventures to camping and off-grid exploration—S2000 delivers extended runtime wherever Australians choose to explore. — New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploration
  1. investigation
  2. inquiry
  3. examination
  4. study
  5. probing
  6. research
  7. probe
Noun
  • The reports come after misconduct findings against some interfraternity chapters in the spring and multiple criminal investigations, according to the letter.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • As the investigation uncovers a string of killings linked to a strange ritual, the two are pushed into working together, facing down otherworldly threats as well as unfinished business from Lan’s past.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • The official inquiry held gunman Mun Se-gwang solely responsible.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is seeking to stay in power, has been criticized over the lack of an official inquiry into the attacks, as well as reports that he was warned about them in advance.
    — Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • The youth movement, which emerged earlier this year out of anger over high unemployment among young people and leaked examination papers, has grown into a political force.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Writer-director Reed Van Dyk’s feature debut navigates tricky emotional waters but emerges as a trenchant examination of what forgiveness and penitence can look like, allowing no room for anything resembling a pat happy ending.
    — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • One study found that, while just under half of hiring managers looked for AI and related tech skills, nearly three quarters (73%) prized critical thinking/problem-solving, and 65% looked for adaptability/learning agility.
    — Reynald Fasciaux, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Looking through his microscope, Kubelka counted cells as part of a study of neuromuscular diseases.
    — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • There was Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, accepting an award for his relentless probing of the White House.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026
  • But neither of them seemed eager to undergo much emotional probing.
    — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of probing
Noun
  • After coming across our insightful articles in the course of their online research, potential clients are often inspired to reach out for trip-planning assistance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • With respect to the state’s cancer crisis, Hinson defended her record by highlighting her work during her three terms in Congress to boost cancer research funding for the National Institutes of Health.
    — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of research
Noun
  • The Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement the probe was initiated after a complaint from China’s domestic industry.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The probe, which comes one day after top tech leaders signed a self-regulatory AI accord at the White House, could compel tech CEOs to testify before Congress.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of probe

Browse Nearby Words

exploits
exploration
explorations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploration. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All