exploratory
adjective
ex·plor·ato·ry
ik-ˈsplȯr-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
exploratory drilling for oil
Examples of exploratory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Under the current arrangement, Core Power is financing the initial exploratory work.
—
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026
These may be creative or sensory in nature, and can be more structured and therapist-led, or child-directed and exploratory depending on the child’s needs.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 17 June 2026
The production on Infinite Black Inside might be considered an evolution of the exploratory Brighton sound developed by Alfa and his peers, shored up by live and sampled instruments.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
The growing exchange continued in 2025, when RFC managing director Mohannad Bakri and Al Khatib conducted an exploratory visit to China to further develop relationships with film and television industry representatives and identify opportunities for future cooperation.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exploratory
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.
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026
These may be creative or sensory in nature, and can be more structured and therapist-led, or child-directed and exploratory depending on the child’s needs.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 17 June 2026
The production on Infinite Black Inside might be considered an evolution of the exploratory Brighton sound developed by Alfa and his peers, shored up by live and sampled instruments.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
The growing exchange continued in 2025, when RFC managing director Mohannad Bakri and Al Khatib conducted an exploratory visit to China to further develop relationships with film and television industry representatives and identify opportunities for future cooperation.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exploratory
Cite this Entry
“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploratory. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
exploratory
adjective
ex·plor·ato·ry
ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˈsplȯr-, -ˌtȯr-
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
