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.
Shapiro did not weigh in on the dome debate, deferring to the franchise’s exploratory process. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 At this stage, the project remains exploratory, and the available information does not establish an economic deposit or future source of supply. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 NuCAMP remains in its early exploratory phase, and its final structure has yet to be determined. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 The next phase is fieldwork and feedback The subsurface dam project is still in the exploratory phase, and Savage emphasized that a lot of research and outreach would happen before any concrete plans could be made. — Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on exploratory

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