explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplȯr How to pronounce explore (audio)
explored; exploring
Synonyms of explore

transitive verb

1
a
: to investigate, study, or analyze : look into
Researchers are exploring how language is acquired by children.
explore the relationship between social class and learning ability
—sometimes used with indirect questions
… to explore where ethical issues arise …—R. T. Blackburn
b
: to become familiar with by testing or experimenting
explore new cuisines
2
: to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery
3
: to examine especially for diagnostic purposes
explore the wound

intransitive verb

: to make or conduct a systematic search
explore for oil

Synonyms of explore

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of explore in a Sentence

Researchers are exploring how language is acquired by children. The book explores a number of controversial issues. You need to explore your feelings on this subject more carefully. an opportunity to explore different activities The children were encouraged to explore mathematics. I decided to go out and explore the town. They were sent to explore unknown regions of Africa.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This advancement could help scientists investigate how electrons respond to intense light and, eventually, explore ways to control them during chemical reactions. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 One group drove to the ever-endearing town of Kingston, about 20 minutes away, while my partner and I used the day to explore more vintage stores, shops, and farm stands nearby. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026 But unions and many Hollywood workers fear AI will take jobs, even as studios explore hybrid productions and secure protections against fully synthetic performers. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Andrade spent about two hours with the grand jury, which had convened to explore the possibility of criminal charges. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explore

Word History

Etymology

Latin explorare, from ex- + plorare to cry out

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of explore was in 1531

Phrases Containing explore

Rhymes for explore

See All Rhymes for explore

Browse Nearby Words

exploratory surgery
explore
explorer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explore. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

explore

verb
ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r How to pronounce explore (audio)
-ˈsplȯ(ə)r
explored; exploring
1
a
: to search through : look into
exploring new ideas
b
: to go into or travel over for purposes of discovery or adventure
explore a cave
explore the moon
c
: to examine carefully and in detail especially in order to make a diagnosis
explore a wound
2
: to make a careful search
explore for oil

Medical Definition

explore

transitive verb
ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r, -ˈsplȯ(ə)r How to pronounce explore (audio)
explored; exploring
: to examine (as by surgery) especially for diagnostic purposes
the abdomen may need to be explored surgically—Donald Caslow
exploration
ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce explore (audio)
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fervid

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All