as in obvious
easy to understand without explanation
a self-explanatory phrase The chapter titles of the book are self-explanatory.
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Recent Examples of self-explanatory
While the word overfishing may sound self-explanatory, the nuance is essential: overfishing relative to what?
—
Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Cucumber Slices: This is pretty self-explanatory, but for this: Most Gordon’s Cups you’ll be served will be a pulpy soup of battered cucumbers and lime wedges.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 7 June 2025
The runes thing is self-explanatory, as runs will now be more rewarding.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Then there’s kicker Tyler Bass, which will be self-explanatory based on results, and running back Ty Johnson, who is likely directly correlated to what happens with Cook.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Cucumber Slices: This is pretty self-explanatory, but for this: Most Gordon’s Cups you’ll be served will be a pulpy soup of battered cucumbers and lime wedges.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 7 June 2025
The runes thing is self-explanatory, as runs will now be more rewarding.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Then there’s kicker Tyler Bass, which will be self-explanatory based on results, and running back Ty Johnson, who is likely directly correlated to what happens with Cook.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
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Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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But for me, the biggest thing is the collaborations, which are so obvious.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Their conflicts are universal and comprehensible but very specific, very much of the place where the characters live.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
25 June 2025
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Election officials, civil society groups and researchers can teach how audits work, host open-source verification demonstrations and ensure that high-tech electoral processes are comprehensible to voters.—
Bruce Schneier,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The club’s communication has not helped, though noticeable strides in transparency have been evident since the saga of Alvarez’s undiagnosed hand fracture.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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In a sense, that was evident a week ago, when the Hornets’ rookie class inked their respective contracts.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Separately, Russia’s transport minister was found dead in what authorities said was an apparent suicide — news that broke hours after the Kremlin announced he had been dismissed by Putin.—
Aamer Madhani,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
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The disconnect is apparent: students want to build careers around emerging technology, but traditional education isn’t teaching them how.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Trent Sherfield Starting point: This group looks from here like a pretty straightforward set.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
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Textor’s relationship with Palace has been far from straightforward over his four-year involvement.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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There are over 20 flavors (watermelon’s a winner) to beat plain water for energy.—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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Avocado and Lime For a creamier dressing, an avocado-lime blend can turn a plain salad into a savory and filling meal.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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While in many ways, this flat 33km time-trial is simple, particularly in its middle section, there is still plenty to watch out for.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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The landscape of potential O’Brien challengers isn’t yet clear, but Hooker, the Philadelphia Local official, is one of them.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
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Establishing clear protocols for collaborative action and conducting regular stress tests and drills—simulating everything from accidents to public health emergencies—helps identify vulnerabilities and familiarizes all parties with their roles before a real crisis hits.—
Daniel Brillman,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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