exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplȯr-ə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce exploratory (audio)
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
exploratory drilling for oil

Examples of exploratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Learning how to plant without soil could be useful in other exploratory missions. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024 Endeavor has retained The Raine Group to assist with the exploratory process. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024 Independent exploratory testers, uninfluenced by internal biases or pressures, can identify new testing scenarios and edge cases, increasing test coverage and providing impartial quality assessment. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Comcast president Mike Cavanagh announced the exploratory plans on the conglomerate’s Q3 2024 earnings call. Todd Spangler, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near exploratory

Cite this Entry

“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploratory. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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