SELF-EXPLANATORY Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

self-explanatory

adjective

Definition of self-explanatory

as in obvious

easy to understand without explanation a self-explanatory phrase The chapter titles of the book are self-explanatory.

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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 self-explanatory While settings like Normal and Delicates are fairly self-explanatory, the Heavy Duty cycle often leaves people guessing. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 June 2026 The skit was fairly self-explanatory, as Ferrell portrayed Trebek while asking simple questions to struggling celebrities. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 The American Civil Liberties Union, which is leading the challenge to the executive order, argues the text of the 14th Amendment is largely self-explanatory. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026 This one is pretty self-explanatory. — Katie Grant, Parents, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory

Adjective

The comparisons between the start of Ray Allen’s and Klay Thompson’s Miami Heat stories seem obvious.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Yet with no obvious signs of trauma, the researchers couldn’t say what sent the woman to an early grave.

— Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

Without more straightforward approaches from vendors, such as easily comprehensible privacy policies and avoiding inappropriate ads, monitors are dangerously encroaching into smart-TV-like territory.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
In fact, the film’s story would still be comprehensible if its few subtitles were removed (one of Murnau’s earlier silents — 1924’s The Last Laugh — has no titles whatsoever).

— Tim Page, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026

Definition of comprehensible

Adjective

This issue is particularly evident among younger employees, as 20% of Gen Z workers report experiencing loneliness frequently—approximately double the rate reported by Millennials.

— Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Boise State is among college football’s top teams for returning talent in 2026, and that fact is perhaps no more evident than in the running back room.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of evident

Adjective

This led to a segment on Newsmax in which anchor Carl Higbie deleted one Jelly Roll song from his phone on air, demonstrating the apparent righteous power of tapping a touch-screen button.

— Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Colleges put limits on the right of students and teachers to express points of view that departed from this new apparent consensus.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Democrats, with their signature concern for minority rights, had additional reasons to distrust straightforward majority rule.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Your husband merely identified the obvious, most vicious enemy of the people in straightforward terms.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

Waist circumference is one simple way to estimate visceral fat.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
From a straightforward season-long points race to giving the points leader a cushion on the leaderboard, and now the simple format of awarding the FedEx Cup to the winner of the Tour Championship, the postseason has long needed a boost.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of simple

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“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-explanatory

adjective

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