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 helpful instructions are included, assembly in the backyard is self-explanatory.
—
Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
Adjective
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But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
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And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Sparse autoencoders, for instance, can help simplify neural network activations into comprehensible parts.—
Rishabh Sambare,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Unclear plan and purpose These moves have left many Americans feeling as though the White House has no comprehensible strategy.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The talent is evident, yet the three aim to stay humble.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 July 2025
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That blend of tradition and innovation is evident in both the menu and the experience.—
Chelsea Davis,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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In apparent disbelief, Berger simply sank to her knees, her arms outstretched and a huge grin on her face, and watched as her jubilant teammates sprinted towards her to celebrate.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
20 July 2025
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The entertainment industry remains deep in mourning over the death of Robin Kaye, the longtime music supervisor for American Idol, who was found murdered along with her husband, Thomas Deluca, in their home in an apparent double homicide.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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Usually, first-round contracts are straightforward, with terms outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
24 July 2025
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Watching the Dragon Ball franchise in release order is fairly straightforward.—
Chris Snellgrove,
EW.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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But also take your time in crafting the perfect order of its plain pie — simply tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil — or its white pie — with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, butter, garlic, olive oil and basil.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
25 July 2025
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Across social media, we’re told drinking plain water is passe, subpar, and incredibly basic.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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Part of Trump’s electoral successes have been cemented on his ability to deliver very simple political promises.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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But his bet is clear: That in a fractured media world, personality, tone, and trust matter more than legacy or even scale.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Now it's become clear that electric vehicles won’t take over as quickly as expected.—
Stuart Dyos,
The Tennessean,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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