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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-explanatory
But the mathematics underlying the chart is unfathomably complex, a combination of equations that make hieroglyphics seem self-explanatory.
—
Tom Siegfried, JSTOR Daily, 19 Dec. 2024
Most of the chicken dinner ingredients are self-explanatory, but here are a few notes to guide your shopping and cooking.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024
The Cold Moon name is fairly self-explanatory, reflecting the onset of frigid temperatures and the approach of winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
The next toggle switch is Add other members, which is relatively self-explanatory.
—David Nield, WIRED, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-explanatory 
Tom Siegfried, JSTOR Daily, 19 Dec. 2024
Most of the chicken dinner ingredients are self-explanatory, but here are a few notes to guide your shopping and cooking.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024
The Cold Moon name is fairly self-explanatory, reflecting the onset of frigid temperatures and the approach of winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
The next toggle switch is Add other members, which is relatively self-explanatory.
—David Nield, WIRED, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
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But just as the rise of AI will be obvious in the ads, the challenges facing the entertainment business will also be reflected.—
Alex Weprin,
The Hollywood Reporter,
29 Jan. 2025
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Viewing it now, the movie’s influence and prescience are more obvious than ever.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This distinction is abundantly and immediately clear onstage, never explained but automatically comprehensible to audiences as soon as the dialogue begins, and a testament to the strength of the writing and conception of the piece.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
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The decision was comprehensible — Caen were on another dismal run in Ligue 2 — but its execution rankled some.—
Jack Lang,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That was evident when the Panthers went with Cade Mays over Christensen at center.—
Joseph Person,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
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Though the disproportionate dangers of flying in Alaska were evident both then and now, the Douglas C-54D Skymaster carrying Joyce, Jones and 42 others was well equipped to handle what was supposed to be a routine transit flight.—
Francine Uenuma,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The most apparent sign of a mouse infestation in a home is droppings near food sources, such as kitchen cabinets, pantries, and under furniture.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Jan. 2025
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Yet the apparent optimism was a thin veneer over deep uncertainty.—
Jeanna Smialek,
New York Times,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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How did the character of Joel—who is not a straightforward psychopath, if there is such a thing—come to you?—
Deborah Treisman,
The New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2025
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That’s where this straightforward supplement from Now Foods comes in, with nothing but 10,000 mcg of biotin.—
Kristine Thomason,
Vogue,
26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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While most warming devices come only in plain blacks and grays, these go out of their way to look pleasant in four colorful designs.—
Clint Davis,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Jan. 2025
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The fabrics feature traditional patterns and plain colors, some even have monkey designs.—
Terry Elward,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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As long as a biopsy is done and it’s recognized early, there’s a very high chance of cure with very simple and minimally invasive procedures.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
24 Jan. 2025
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Her voice is the center (a volcano, an oasis) and the music is simple, supportive and emotional.—
Liza Lentini,
SPIN,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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What the possibly dirty text messages involving Hutchinson might say or who sent them isn’t clear.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2025
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It's packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycolic acid to gently exfoliate, willow bark extract to keep pores clear, and green tea seed oil to nourish and soothe.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
23 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near self-explanatory
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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