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
While helpful instructions are included, assembly in the backyard is self-explanatory.
—
Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
While the word overfishing may sound self-explanatory, the nuance is essential: overfishing relative to what?
—Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Cucumber Slices: This is pretty self-explanatory, but for this: Most Gordon’s Cups you’ll be served will be a pulpy soup of battered cucumbers and lime wedges.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 7 June 2025
The runes thing is self-explanatory, as runs will now be more rewarding.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
While the word overfishing may sound self-explanatory, the nuance is essential: overfishing relative to what?
—Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Cucumber Slices: This is pretty self-explanatory, but for this: Most Gordon’s Cups you’ll be served will be a pulpy soup of battered cucumbers and lime wedges.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 7 June 2025
The runes thing is self-explanatory, as runs will now be more rewarding.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
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Seal obvious gaps around the foundation and under doors, says Bertone.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
28 July 2025
-
The entrepreneur and podcaster David Sacks has shaped dramatic and high-impact shifts in US policy with presidential support but little obvious meddling, and emerged as one of the most effective figures in the administration.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
28 July 2025
Adjective
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Sparse autoencoders, for instance, can help simplify neural network activations into comprehensible parts.—
Rishabh Sambare,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Unclear plan and purpose These moves have left many Americans feeling as though the White House has no comprehensible strategy.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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And that's evident in 2007's Live Free or Die Hard, what with its cyber-terrorism plot and portrayal of McClane as a relic of another era.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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This has been evident among a select council of customers representing European and North American SMEs who actively provide feedback on the user experience of SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition.—
Andrea Waisgluss,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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However, obstacles, chief among them the Kings’ apparent commitment to patience and prudence, abound.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
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While the vehicle successfully reached the Earth's orbit, an apparent propellant leak caused a loss of altitude.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Usually, first-round contracts are straightforward, with terms outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
24 July 2025
-
Watching the Dragon Ball franchise in release order is fairly straightforward.—
Chris Snellgrove,
EW.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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But also take your time in crafting the perfect order of its plain pie — simply tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil — or its white pie — with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, butter, garlic, olive oil and basil.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
25 July 2025
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Across social media, we’re told drinking plain water is passe, subpar, and incredibly basic.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Transform public-internal data fusion into simple, actionable insights anyone can use.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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The scalloped crochet trim and gold buttons add a sophisticated element to an otherwise simple tank, and the tighter weave won’t allow any undergarments to peek through.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The clear material is durable and thick for long-term use, and it’s paired with colorful trim and a matching strap in blue, red, or black.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
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Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said right tackle Austin Jackson should be back for the start of the regular season and made clear that cornerback Cam Smith must be on the field to compete.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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