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
-
Lionsgate post-Starz spin-off would be the most obvious choice, without the weight of cable networks on both sides and with a host of still-viable Lionsgate franchises including John Wick, The Hunger Games and Saw.—
Howard Homonoff,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Sending in the National Guard was an obvious military flex, designed to to bait Angelenos while perhaps distracting Americans from Trump’s far greater troubles.—
Mary McNamara,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
Nearby conversations are clear enough as to be comprehensible.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
6 May 2025
-
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
-
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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Ukraine goes into this second round of direct talks bolstered by its apparent destruction of Russian strategic bombers and other crucial air assets.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
All that aside, even without the system transfer, using my Switch 2 has been smooth and straightforward.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Their more straightforward approach is closer to documentary drama, but the effect is not so disparate.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Its impact on the modern environment is made plain when the geologist protagonist must flee terrible wildfires there.—
Diana Arterian
June 5,
Literary Hub,
5 June 2025
-
Spectators perceive tennis outfits as plain, boring, rigid or limited to a specific silhouette.—
Ruth Etiesit Samuel,
Essence,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Ahead of the most important game of the year, Luke Esquivel said the key to a strong performance will be simple.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 June 2025
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Track what brings business Your process on LinkedIn is simple.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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The clear, neutral spirit has dominated American liquor sales for decades, far surpassing whiskey, which once enjoyed an unchallenged status as the nation's preferred spirit.—
Time,
Time,
4 June 2025
-
Confusion The back-and-forth on updating the disaster plan and a lack of clear strategic guidance have created confusion for FEMA staff, said one source.—
Leah Douglas,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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