SELF-EXPLANATORY Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

self-explanatory

adjective

Definition of self-explanatory

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

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 The skit was fairly self-explanatory, as Ferrell portrayed Trebek while asking simple questions to struggling celebrities. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 The word bombogenesis is a combination of cyclogenesis, which describes the formation of a cyclone or storm, and bomb, which is pretty self-explanatory. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026 While settings like Normal and Delicates are fairly self-explanatory, the Heavy Duty cycle often leaves people guessing. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 June 2026 The American Civil Liberties Union, which is leading the challenge to the executive order, argues the text of the 14th Amendment is largely self-explanatory. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory

Adjective

The teenage phenom is able to complement his obvious technical skills with a flair and maturity in high-pressure situations that is well beyond his years.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

By these arguments, an AI proof of a mathematical conjecture that has stubbornly resisted human efforts would be useful only if comprehensible to humans.

— Benjamin Skuse, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2026
Suddenly, Marjane succumbing to sorrow became achingly comprehensible.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026

Definition of comprehensible

Adjective

The comments provide additional context for a return that has included both encouraging signs and understandable growing pains.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
The idea remains fan speculation rather than reported fact, but her announcement history makes the urge to investigate understandable.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 July 2026

Definition of understandable

Adjective

The camaraderie was evident on the ground here in La Guaira, the coastal city where quake damage was most severe, collapsing dozens of buildings.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
That rotation was quite evident in our portfolio across Wednesday and Thursday, with the likes of AI winner Corning selling off hard and once-unloved Johnson & Johnson finishing the week at a record close.

— Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026

Definition of evident

Adjective

This comes after dozens of leading Mexican sports outlets reported the time change — after apparent briefing — as did the BBC, which has rights to the game in the UK.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Anybody who is anybody is making their way to New York’s Madison Square Garden dressed to the nines in an apparent march to get to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 3 July 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

With head coach Thomas Tuchel also renowned for his plain speaking, many are seeing this approach as a potential factor in England ending their long wait for a follow-up success to their triumph in the competition in 1966.

— Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
For a place of worship the temple was plain, with a long hallway of overlapping purple carpet and idols carved crudely from blush-colored marble.

— Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of plain

Adjective

Compared with platforms that emphasize community groups or compatibility questionnaires, OurTime focuses primarily on helping older adults browse profiles, discover potential matches, and communicate with other members in a straightforward format.

— Matthew Kayser Updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
The musical’s overture gives you a sense of the complexity that’s needed to make seeming simple and straightforward material really soar.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

As for the volunteers, the goal is simple—help someone stay safe before the heat turns into an emergency.

— Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Evidence for at-home tools is thinner than for professional manual drainage, but the simplest options can offer mild circulation and surface-lymph support at a low price.

— Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of simple

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“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-explanatory

adjective

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