- a variation of declarative.
declaratory
Britishadjective
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another word for declarative
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law
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(of a statute) stating the existing law on a particular subject; explanatory
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(of a decree or judgment) stating the rights of the parties without specifying the action to be taken
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Other Word Forms
Explanation
Anything declaratory makes its meaning known clearly and officially, like your sister's declaratory announcement to your friends that they'd better not go in her room and touch her stuff. It's most common to find this adjective in a legal context, in phrases like "declaratory ruling" or "declaratory judgement"; these phrases are used to describe a conclusive and legally binding ruling. A declaratory statement, as opposed to a question or exclamation, directly asserts that something is true. Whenever you come across declaratory, the important thing to know is it's describing something that is crystal clear and definitive. Declaratory comes from the Latin declarare, "make clear, reveal, or announce."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
ABC has asked the FCC for a declaratory ruling on the status of “The View.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
Last week, Kalshi pre-emptively sued Mayes and several Arizona Department Gaming officials seeking a permanent injunction and declaratory relief.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026
“We’re seeking a declaratory judgment that this kind of coercion and the threats of prosecution against Joshua violate the First Amendment,” Sher Tremonte lead counsel Noam Biale told me.
From Slate ● Dec. 8, 2025
"Mr Massa is not entitled to claim declaratory relief for reputational or publicity reasons," he added.
From BBC ● Nov. 20, 2025
Victoria Woodhull arguing before the House Judiciary Committee that Congress should pass a declaratory act confirming women’s right to vote as a provision of the Fourteenth Amendment.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
