explanatory

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce explanatory (audio)
: serving to explain
explanatory notes
explanatorily adverb

Examples of explanatory in a Sentence

There are explanatory notes at the front of the book. the explanatory section has as its heading “What the New Tax Changes Mean”
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The simple mindset shift is taking the world by storm, with Robbins' explanatory TikTok gathering over 19.7 million views alone. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025 There’s a pattern among his public transactions (PSA: check your settings) with a person who is only listed as C — they’re accompanied by explanatory emoji, which are pretty easy to decipher. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025 The explanatory text of the replicas on display in the museum will be updated. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025 Most of the explanatory labels near each work of art are brief and written only in French. Elaine Sciolino, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for explanatory

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of explanatory was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanatory. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

explanatory

adjective
ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce explanatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: serving to explain
explanatory notes
explanatorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on explanatory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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