as in obvious
easy to understand without explanation
a self-explanatory phrase The chapter titles of the book are self-explanatory.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of self-explanatory
Single Barrel is self-explanatory; the whiskey is from one single barrel and, as such, can vary between bottlings.
—
Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
If the concept seems self-explanatory, consider that the guidelines claim that both vegetable oil and sparkling water are nutrient-dense.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Physiologically, these states of bodily outpourings are of course quite self-explanatory, given all the melting, leaking, sweating, salivating and squirting the Sapphic body is notorious for in the art of Sapphics of all genders throughout history.
—Siouxzi Connor
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
While helpful instructions are included, assembly in the backyard is self-explanatory.
—Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
If the concept seems self-explanatory, consider that the guidelines claim that both vegetable oil and sparkling water are nutrient-dense.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Physiologically, these states of bodily outpourings are of course quite self-explanatory, given all the melting, leaking, sweating, salivating and squirting the Sapphic body is notorious for in the art of Sapphics of all genders throughout history.
—Siouxzi Connor
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
While helpful instructions are included, assembly in the backyard is self-explanatory.
—Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
-
For less obvious water damage, car owners might eventually smell mold or mildew.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
-
All of which raises an obvious question.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In the lab, Goldie’s thoughts circled and surrounded the minutiae of analysis and computation, sorted microscopic comparisons, developed overviews that laid out sequences and processes logically and accurately in theories not otherwise comprehensible.—
Annie Proulx,
New Yorker,
10 Aug. 2025
-
Crosser, going into detail comprehensible only to the network-savvy attendees, laid out all the steps Zoom may go through trying to connect from within a highly secure network.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In defense of the fans, their reaction was understandable given the performance of the national team over the last six games.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The shorter distance was understandable.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This is not your father’s or grandfather’s Atherton High School football program, and never was that more evident than Tuesday’s practice at the school.—
Rich Barak,
Louisville Courier Journal,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The care taken in preparing the food is evident.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The apparent hoaxes come amid heightened concern over campus safety following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Paramount’s apparent interest is no surprise since the company’s ambitious new CEO, David Ellison, has talked about a desire to strike further deals.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
How and why the Great North Run has remained and remains relevant is not linear or straightforward.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The logic for this belief is straightforward.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Place in a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
-
At the same time, v0 enables teams to generate responsive UIs directly from Figma designs or plain English descriptions, thereby minimizing the gap between vision and implementation.—
Paul Kovalenko,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
With just a few chairs, a handful of tables and a simple tent, the setting was intimate but filled with love and intention.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
And one of these, for those of us accustomed to British conventions but who follow the game in continental Europe, is the simple passage of time.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share