exploratory
adjective
ex·plor·ato·ry
ik-ˈsplȯr-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
exploratory drilling for oil
Examples of exploratory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That narrative convergence happens amusingly when Jimmy Ink is on an exploratory foray.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
On one side of Weir stood Garcia and his endless exploratory guitar solos, on the other Phil Lesh and his basslines informed by his classical, jazz, and avant garde music education.
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, the interim government has urged calm and unity while signaling tentative engagement with Washington, including exploratory diplomatic contacts and discussions about reopening embassies.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Michelin also recommends an exploratory road trip in Florida, which is covered in a separate guide.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploratory. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Medical Definition
exploratory
adjective
ex·plor·ato·ry
ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˈsplȯr-, -ˌtȯr-
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
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