exploratory
Americanadjective
-
pertaining to or concerned with exploration.
an exploratory operation.
-
inclined to make explorations.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of exploratory
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Latin word explōrātōrius. See exploration, -ory 1
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.
In April, another deal was signed with an ExxonMobil-led consortium for exploratory drilling in the northwestern Ionian Sea set to begin in 2027.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
An exploratory analysis found that participants assigned to vitamin C were more likely to survive during follow-up than those who received placebo.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 3, 2026
That moment, he said, was both vulnerable and exploratory, in a way he hoped “Dosis” would capture.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 2026
The U.K. appears poised to allow new oil production in the North Sea—after banning exploratory drilling last year—and is reviewing targets for sales of electric vehicles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
An exploratory “survey” of South America had been commissioned, and the expedition required the service of a “gentleman scientist” who could assist in collecting specimens.
From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
