declaratory

adjective

de·​clar·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈkler-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

1

: serving to declare, set forth, or explain

2

a

: declaring what is the existing law

declaratory statute

b

: declaring a legal right or interpretation

a declaratory judgment

Examples of declaratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sun Sentinel The new lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment and an injunction through the more-normal process of going to circuit court. —Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025

The company sought a declaratory judgment asserting that the defendants should be held liable for reimbursing any claims paid out to CAHA related to the matter. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The plaintiffs are asking for a declaratory judgment that American Airlines’ supplier diversity program violates the federal laws regulating contracts and prohibiting discrimination on the basis of color as spelled out in the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and 1964 respectively. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2025

Moe is requesting declaratory judgment stating that the executive order violates her rights, in addition to a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of the order. —James Factora, Them, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for declaratory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Legal Definition

declaratory

adjective

de·​clar·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈklar-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

: serving to declare, set forth, or explain: as

a

: declaring what is the existing law

b

: declaring a legal right or interpretation

declaratory relief

see also declaratory judgment at judgment sense 1a