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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-explanatory
The case for the Thunder and the Cavaliers both comfortably advancing is self-explanatory.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Considering that Ice Spice is a New York native and Gardner is a star cornerback for the New York Jets, the emoji would appear to be self-explanatory, but far from confirmed.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Hair loss is self-explanatory and dryness is caused by damage to the outer layer of the cuticle and results in moisture loss and coarse, dull hair.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025
Blocked is self-explanatory—the child simply cannot use a blocked app.
—PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Considering that Ice Spice is a New York native and Gardner is a star cornerback for the New York Jets, the emoji would appear to be self-explanatory, but far from confirmed.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Hair loss is self-explanatory and dryness is caused by damage to the outer layer of the cuticle and results in moisture loss and coarse, dull hair.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025
Blocked is self-explanatory—the child simply cannot use a blocked app.
—PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
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But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Nearby conversations are clear enough as to be comprehensible.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
6 May 2025
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An example would be upstream CX changes that help eliminate downstream, cost-inflating customer inquiries (e.g., better product assembly instructions, clearer and more comprehensible invoices, more seamless product return procedures, and even just better expectation-setting at point-of-sale).—
Jon Picoult,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Koenig noted in her report that the Emergency Department at Waterbury Hospital was crowded and the need for expansion as planned was evident.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2025
-
A lot of Isaacman's intellect and thought on these issues was evident in the podcast.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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The man dropped to the ground and was arrested without any apparent resistance in the video that Osante filmed.—
Colleen Slevin,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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Wolff did admit that seeing the positives were difficult, aside from the apparent step in tire management.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Every detail is considered, down to the most straightforward dish on the menu and its namesake.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
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The best and most straightforward way to clean your tea kettle is by running a boil a couple of times with water and some white vinegar.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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To critics, the obvious answer would be ego, stubbornness or just plain stupidity.—
Robert Pearl,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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The plain version of the chips got a high score, while the other, with a tequila lime flavoring, scored poorly.—
Maria Godoy,
NPR,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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The way to peace is simple: get Hamas out and get aid in.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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The condition of the two others was not immediately clear.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2025
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But while the flood of content grows, one clear trend emerges: People trust people more than faceless organizations.—
Luca Brinkhues,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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