exploration

noun

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
Definition of explorationnext
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something an exploration into the disappearance of famed aviator Amelia Earhart

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 exploration The mission demonstrated that relatively low-cost robotic exploration could deliver enormous scientific returns and paved the way for the sophisticated Mars rovers that followed. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026 Chicago State, a public, predominantly Black university on Chicago’s Far South Side, first announced its exploration of a football team in 2023. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 The record is built around the clarity and compassion that can only come from an insatiable appetite for exploration. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026 The exhibit rewards unhurried exploration in a landscape that’s every bit as captivating as the sculptures themselves. — Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploration
  1. investigation
  2. inquiry
  3. examination
  4. study
  5. probing
  6. research
  7. probe
Noun
  • This year, the agency has already posted 20 investigations and says work remains active for 18 foodborne illness clusters.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Army notified his former patients there about the investigation and how to report any complaints, NBC News reported.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • He was charged in December after the Army Criminal Investigation Division opened an inquiry in October following a complaint from a patient at Fort Hood.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Minnesota authorities began criminal inquiries after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, having to fight the federal government to secure the relevant evidence.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Noor Kestou, 33, of Commerce, appeared for a preliminary examination on Thursday on an involuntary manslaughter charge, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • And Becca is so sassy too when Mel wants to try to do the examination.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • And in a study of a third group of over 690 participants, super movers had better cognition and lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • For the new study, Chang’s team created specialized fluorescent animal models that enabled them to visualize and isolate all of the cardiac neurons on the heart.
    — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • There was Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, accepting an award for his relentless probing of the White House.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026
  • But neither of them seemed eager to undergo much emotional probing.
    — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of probing
Noun
  • Among them is Benjamin Radford, a research fellow and investigator with the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, a nonprofit organization that evaluates paranormal and fringe-science claims from a scientific viewpoint.
    — Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In this series, Kristen Finch shares practical research skills to help students and educators search more effectively, evaluate sources, and build confidence using JSTOR.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of research
Noun
  • The agency launched one investigation into DPS last year after the district built a gender-neutral bathroom at East High School and a second Title IX probe in July after a teacher was accused of making female students kiss each other in class.
    — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers then used a sophisticated pump-probe laser technique.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of probe

Browse Nearby Words

exploits
exploration
explorations
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Cite this Entry

“Exploration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploration. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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