explore
verb (used with object)
to traverse or range over (a region, area, etc.) for the purpose of discovery.
had been exploring
-
past perfect progressiveof explore.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
The MoD had been exploring options to replace the Type 45, the Navy's ageing fleet of destroyers, with the Type 83, a concept vessel which was at an early design phase.
From BBC β Jun. 28, 2026
The group had been exploring options for its auto-coatings business for a while, as part of a plan to focus on core operations.
From The Wall Street Journal β Oct. 10, 2025
The veteran quarterback wanted his contract adjusted, and his agent, with the Rams’ blessing, had been exploring possible trade destinations.
From Los Angeles Times β Apr. 21, 2025
Hans Schroeder, the executive vice president of NFL Media, said the league had been exploring the possibility of adding a game on Black Friday for a while.
From Seattle Times β Nov. 23, 2023
When Bod was nine he had been exploring in just this part of the world when the soil had given way beneath him, tumbling him into a hole almost twenty feet down.
From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
