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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Recent Examples of self-explanatory
On Loading Basic loading is pretty self-explanatory.
—
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
Pass interference – a foul that has derailed many great passing plays – is at the most basic level self-explanatory.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
The six players Booth had in mind were self-explanatory: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Russell Westbrook.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2025
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% $6 THE ORDINARY
While the name is quite self-explanatory, as are most of The Ordinary's products, not everyone is aware that the combination of niacinamide and zinc brightens the skin, improves texture, and strengthens the skin barrier.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
Pass interference – a foul that has derailed many great passing plays – is at the most basic level self-explanatory.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
The six players Booth had in mind were self-explanatory: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Russell Westbrook.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2025
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% $6 THE ORDINARY
While the name is quite self-explanatory, as are most of The Ordinary's products, not everyone is aware that the combination of niacinamide and zinc brightens the skin, improves texture, and strengthens the skin barrier.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
-
Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
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In its wildest moments, Coogler’s film seems like a collision of Lovecraft Country with True Blood, though more obvious comparisons will likely be drawn to From Dusk Till Dawn.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
For patients to benefit fully from AI, there must be clear and comprehensible explanations of how these systems work and how they are evaluated.—
Rob El Kareh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
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Given the stakes for reproductive autonomy, Donegan’s reservations are entirely comprehensible.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The consequences of conference realignment are already evident in the physical and mental toll on athletes and staff, and escalating carbon emissions amidst a worsening climate crisis.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Yet, no effort to thoughtfully manage Medicaid premiums is evident, particularly at a time when Congress has its eyes set on cutting this line item nationally, disproportionately impacting New York.—
Eric J. Gertler,
New York Daily News,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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All of the people involved in the crash appeared to be injured, police said, with the motorcyclist suffering apparent life-threatening injuries.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
3 Apr. 2025
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And with no apparent competition for the starting job, the redshirt junior can focus on his own game rather than competing with the guys around him.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The economic case for implementing those other policies is more straightforward than the case for tariffs.—
Alden Abbott,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
One of the most straightforward cocktail-to-beer swaps is trading an espresso martini for a stout.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Without laws, humans are forced to decide for themselves what constitutes justice or just plain revenge.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2025
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Other bland foods, such as clear broth, saltine crackers, and plain potatoes, may also be tolerable in small servings.1 Spices: Ginger, turmeric, cayenne, and cinnamon, which have some anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce symptoms.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Kit kept things simple with a traditional dark blue suit, pairing the look with a white shirt and polkadot bowtie and his usual glasses.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With these women having formidable 400-meter performances, there was no clear sign of who would reign victorious.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
-
But new research suggests zeroing in on your daily heart rate and step count—and taking an extra second to crunch those numbers—could provide a clearer view into your cardiovascular health.—
Cathy Cassata,
Health,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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