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

Keeping an exploratory attitude and being open to learning new things will help QA firms stay competitive in the ever-evolving tech landscape. —Margarita Simonova, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Research on preschoolers' exploratory behavior found that children's exploration of their surroundings is influenced by both physical and social factors, showing how a fun and engaging environment can spark curiosity. —David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025

Our military health system is conducting an exploratory study to assess the quality and safety of its essential generic medicines. —Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Other behaviors include what researchers consider as the first evidence of narwhals playing, more specifically, exploratory playing. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exploratory

• exploratory surgery

Rhymes for exploratory

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

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

ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˈsplȯr-, -ˌtȯr- 

: of, relating to, or being exploration

exploratory surgery