self-explanatory

adjective

Definition of self-explanatorynext
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 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 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 This one is pretty self-explanatory. — Katie Grant, Parents, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-explanatory
  1. obvious
  2. comprehensible
  3. understandable
  4. evident
  5. apparent
  6. plain
  7. straightforward
  8. simple
Adjective
  • The proximity makes a team’s flaws so obvious, which is why fans sometimes fixate on the three or four major problems with their team rather than highlight the strengths of the group.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Oakley said there were no obvious signs of foul play or trauma.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Without more straightforward approaches from vendors, such as easily comprehensible privacy policies and avoiding inappropriate ads, monitors are dangerously encroaching into smart-TV-like territory.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, the film’s story would still be comprehensible if its few subtitles were removed (one of Murnau’s earlier silents — 1924’s The Last Laugh — has no titles whatsoever).
    — Tim Page, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
Definition of comprehensible
Adjective
  • Camille’s self-righteous anger, so understandable yet so misguided, has burned through the screen every week.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Those reactions are understandable, but none are especially useful.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of understandable
Adjective
  • This issue is particularly evident among younger employees, as 20% of Gen Z workers report experiencing loneliness frequently—approximately double the rate reported by Millennials.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Boise State is among college football’s top teams for returning talent in 2026, and that fact is perhaps no more evident than in the running back room.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • This led to a segment on Newsmax in which anchor Carl Higbie deleted one Jelly Roll song from his phone on air, demonstrating the apparent righteous power of tapping a touch-screen button.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Colleges put limits on the right of students and teachers to express points of view that departed from this new apparent consensus.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • But his plain English introduction to what Flock Safety was actually doing is what connected with his audience.
    — Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Even the more minimal versions of this style (such as plain white or ivory with gold rims) have fallen out of favor.
    — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of plain
Adjective
  • Democrats, with their signature concern for minority rights, had additional reasons to distrust straightforward majority rule.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Your husband merely identified the obvious, most vicious enemy of the people in straightforward terms.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • It’s still built with comfort in mind, thanks to the flowy material and stretchy elastic waistbands of the pants and top, but has a simple cut that can be dressed up or down easily.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This converts touch from a simple collision-detection mechanism into an active source of information for aerial navigation, positioning, and grasp control.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

self-examinations
self-explanatory
self-exploration
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Cite this Entry

“Self-explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-explanatory. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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