exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
-ˌsplȯ-
Synonyms of exploration
: the act or an instance of exploring
explorational
ˌek-splə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce exploration (audio)
-ˌsplȯ-
adjective

Synonyms of exploration

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Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration the early exploration of the West early explorations of the West
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.
Epar Ganga Opar Ganga (1966/67; The River Churning) Jyotirmoyee Devi’s Bengali novel, translated by Enakshi Chatterjee as The River Churning (1995), is an early exploration of the partition’s gendered aftermath. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 Is that the power of belief, which comes through in her delivery, or just the way a flute’s trill can sound like exploration and hope? — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026 While the village transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, the summertime allows for outdoor exploration such as river tubing, kayaking and hiking. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 29 July 2026 From Exploration To Economic Capability Historically, space was viewed through the lens of exploration and scientific achievement. — Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploration

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploration was in 1537

Phrases Containing exploration

Rhymes for exploration

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Browse Nearby Words

exploitive
exploration
explorational
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Cite this Entry

“Exploration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploration. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exploration

noun
ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
: the act or an instance of exploring

More from Merriam-Webster on exploration

Nglish: Translation of exploration for Spanish Speakers

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