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 Most of these tools are self-explanatory, such as delays, but some are a little harder to understand at a glance. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026 Hair loss is self-explanatory, while dryness results from damage to the outer layer of the cuticle, leading to moisture loss and hair that feels coarse and appears dull. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 June 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 skit was fairly self-explanatory, as Ferrell portrayed Trebek while asking simple questions to struggling celebrities. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory

Adjective

Aside from obvious fixes like leaking ceilings and sagging floors, the layout, which was chopped up into a warren of tight quarters, needed a full gut to allow the space to breathe and gain more light.

— Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
The best way to alleviate the pressure, therefore, is not to wait on a return but to avoid stringing together so many obvious passing downs that allow the edge rushers to tee off.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

New York University mathematician Roland Bauerschmidt says the first of these papers is both groundbreaking and comprehensible.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026
The only problem is that the lyrics aren’t really more comprehensible than actual Katseye jams.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of comprehensible

Adjective

The guardedness is understandable, as the threat of poaching is still everywhere.

— Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Songwriters on Process Songwriters on Process zeroes in on the writing more than the song, understandable given its host, Ben Opipari, holds a PhD in English language and literature.

— Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of understandable

Adjective

One account describes an unusual encounter that raises questions about the object’s flight characteristics and apparent lack of detectable heat.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Commenters seem amused by the apparent gaffe and have chosen to convey their feelings through a plethora of puns, jokes and memes.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

On the fall 2026 runways, romantic clothes arrived styled like everything else in your closet—a lace skirt with a cotton shirt, a gown with a combat boot, a ruffled collar over plain velvet trousers—and the shift is visible on the street too.

— Laurence Goldberg, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Refrigerated tortellini is one of the fastest ways to turn plain broth into a satiating, delicious meal.

— Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of plain

Adjective

After winning a prize in a juried exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, American Gothic—which reproduced well in newsprint thanks to those straightforward, geometric forms—became a sensation.

— Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
That alone imbues this series with compellingly straightforward stakes.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of straightforward

Adjective

The actor wore a long black leather coat over a simple black tank, paired with straight-leg blue jeans cinched with a leather belt.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
The company played with flexible workdays instead of rigid schedules, clearer windows for collaboration, simpler rules for meetings, better ways to share and document work, and more intentional reasons for coming together in person.

— Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-explanatory

adjective

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