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

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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 And even after 14 years of traveling across the Red Planet and suffering considerable damage to its wheels, NASA says Curiosity has plenty of exploration and science left to conduct. — Brett Tingley, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The record leaned into self-reflection and self-preservation informed by a divorce, his introduction to fatherhood, and an exploration of his Mexican roots through his signature alternative R&B sound. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026 The rooms were part of Kusama’s ongoing exploration of self-obliteration and her career-long ambition to create work that provokes a keen awareness of both one’s individual insignificance and place in the wider cosmic system. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 The goal is to create a new generation of technical leaders who can support ongoing exploration efforts, both in commercial spaceflight and in ensuring that the US government maintains a global lead in doing hard things in space. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 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 incident was reported Tuesday, off the Omani coast, the UKMTO said, which added that the resulting fire had been extinguished, all crew members were reported safe, and an investigation was underway.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Jeff Pope is penning a drama about the investigation into Everard’s 2021 murder for the BBC.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Clarke’s legacy, of a philosophical cinema that turns form into inquiry, critique, and protest, is also a cinema of paradox.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
  • An official inquiry into the intelligence that led to the decision was later established.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Swelling and spinal shock can cloud the earliest neurological picture, and physicians repeat examinations over time for good reason, as many people once given a grave prognosis go on to recover.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Brown is scheduled to travel with the major-league team back to Chicago after Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks for further examination.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • But Andrew DiCapua, the chamber’s principal economist and the study’s author, maintains that the results still apply today.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Cohere this week released an IDC study of executives in four countries, which shows that most believe that AI sovereignty is important, but few can define it or have a firm plan for achieving it.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 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
  • The country is also placing its hopes on automation, with the government committing 1 billion Singapore dollars ($787 million) to public AI research from 2026 to 2030.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Frank Lenk, director of economic research at the Mid-America Regional Council, said automotive goods are one of Kansas City’s largest exports, and many of those products go back and forth across the border with Canada.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of research
Noun
  • The probe follows the US announcement last week of a fresh sanctions campaign against Iran.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to the early license renewal proceeding, the FCC has an ongoing probe into ABC related to the agency’s equal time rules.
    — BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 31 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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