• Daily Crossword
  • Word Puzzle
  • Word Finder
  • Word of the Day
  • Synonym of the Day
  • Word of the Year
  • Language stories
  • All featured
  • Gender and sexuality
  • All pop culture
  • Grammar Coach ™
  • Writing hub
  • Grammar essentials
  • Commonly confused
  • All writing tips
  • Pop culture
  • Writing tips
  • exploratory

pertaining to or concerned with exploration : an exploratory operation.

inclined to make explorations .

Origin of exploratory

  • Also ex·plor·a·tive [ik- splawr - uh -tiv] /ɪkˈsplɔr ə tɪv/ .

Other words from exploratory

  • ex·plor·a·tive·ly, adverb
  • non·ex·plor·a·tive, adjective
  • non·ex·plor·a·to·ry, adjective
  • un·ex·plor·a·tive, adjective
  • un·ex·plor·a·to·ry, adjective

Words Nearby exploratory

  • exploitative
  • exploration
  • explorationist
  • explorer tent
  • explosimeter

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use exploratory in a sentence

The following bits of journalism are more exploratory than hard-hitting.

Campa-Najjar, who had formed an exploratory committee, announced earlier this week that he believed the district should be represented by a woman of color after also releasing polling showing he was the leading Democrat in the race.

This is more of an exploratory technique, so test yourself and try finding what feels good to you.

Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer took the next stop in his long, drawn-out flirtation with a run for governor of California by announcing Monday that he’s formed an exploratory committee for a bid.

Essentially, they think an ancestral archaeon began reaching into the world around it and associating with bacteria through these exploratory blebs of membrane.

Unlike former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Huckabee is not immediately forming an exploratory committee.

Rand Paul announced he would form an exploratory committee for a Senate campaign at just the right time, in May 2009.

Gorgeous gave them an opportunity to take on a serious subject in a fun, exploratory way, McGill says.

It is not an efficient way to write, but I love that exploratory phase, when even bad writing somehow seems promising.

In February, he formed an exploratory committee for his congressional bid.

From this exploratory trip, the boats returned to their newly named harbour of Brest, on the 13th.

It is the last book to which he should return at the close of his exploratory voyages.

In the latter case paring becomes necessary as an exploratory means to diagnosis.

The thinking of things out carefully over a second and third cup of coffee, cautious self exploratory reasoning.

This was our seventh exploratory trip after our sixth landing since entering the field of the sun Ponthis.

  • Dictionaries home
  • American English
  • Collocations
  • German-English
  • Grammar home
  • Practical English Usage
  • Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
  • Word Lists home
  • My Word Lists
  • Recent additions
  • Resources home
  • Text Checker

Definition of exploratory adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

exploratory

  • exploratory surgery
  • exploratory drilling for oil
  • an exploratory expedition up the Amazon
  • Exploratory discussions between management and the unions have ended in stalemate.

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

Nearby words

Why We Explore

Students discuss the meaning of exploration and places they would like to explore. They compare past and present-day explorers’ reasons for exploration to their own.

Earth Science, Oceanography, Geography, Physical Geography

Loading ...

University of Miami

Background Information

Exploration has a broad definition but can be considered travel over new territory—undiscovered or new to the explorer—for adventure or discovery, or looking at something in a careful way to learn more about it. An expedition is a journey that requires planning and purpose setting, and is usually undertaken by a group of people, for a specific purpose, such as to explore a distant place or to do research.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • list and assess ideas for why people explore, historically and currently
  • brainstorm ideas for their own explorations
  • analyze the purpose behind a Bahamas expedition

Teaching Approach

  • Learning-for-use

Teaching Methods

  • Brainstorming
  • Discussions
  • Multimedia instruction

Preparation

Materials you provide.

  • Butcher paper
  • Colored sticker dots
  • Masking tape

Required Technology

  • Internet Access: Required
  • Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector, Speakers

Physical Space

  • Large-group instruction
  • Small-group work

1. Define “exploration.”

Ask students how they define “exploration,” writing all ideas on the board. Next, ask: Who do you think of when you hear the word “explorer”? Explain that although explorers like Marco Polo or Christopher Columbus typically come to mind, there are many present-day explorers and anyone can be an explorer. In this activity students will investigate why people explore and consider places they would like to explore.

2. Brainstorm ideas about exploration.

Use a round robin approach to generate students’ ideas about exploration. Group 3-5 students at each table, and have them choose a scribe. Give each group a marker and a sheet of butcher paper with one of these questions on each paper:

  • Why do people explore?
  • What places have you explored? What did you learn?
  • What places would you like to explore in or near your city or town? Why?
  • What places would you like to explore in your home country? Why?
  • What places would you like to explore outside of your country? Why?

At the teacher’s signal, each group brainstorms while the scribe captures the ideas. After two minutes, have students pass their butcher paper in a clockwise direction to the next table. Each group has one student read aloud the question and the ideas from the previous group, and then the group again brainstorms new ideas to add to the previous groups’ ideas, without repeating ideas. Allow each group to add their ideas for each question.

3. Have students mark their favorite ideas.

Give each student ten stickers or markers. Hang the sheets of butcher paper on the walls around the room. Give students five minutes to move around the room to read the questions and ideas on each sheet, marking their two favorite ideas for each question. As a class, discuss students’ ideas and favorites for “ Why do people explore?” and “What places have you explored?” Call out the most-favored places they’d like to explore, and save these lists for a later activity.

4. Analyze past vs. present day exploration

Explain that it is now important to discuss how explorations have changed over time because exploration has continually shaped our world (e.g., spice routes and connecting cultures). Ask students: How might reasons for exploration have changed over time? What ways do you think exploration has shaped our world? (Hint: think about the voyages of past and present-day explorers, how technology has changed, and how commerce has changed) .  If students need ideas, allow them to do research online about these questions. Ask them to discuss and write down their ideas in small groups and then share them with the class. Discuss differences and similarities between groups’ ideas. Ask students to save their ideas because they will use them later when they are developing their own “micro-expeditions.”

5. Discuss the difference between exploration and expeditions.

Explain that so far we have focused on exploration, but let’s consider now how exploration might be different from an expedition. Ask: What’s the difference between exploration and an expedition? (With exploration, the goal is simply to find out more about a place. With an expedition, scientists or explorers have some background knowledge but seek evidence, or data, to help in answering specific questions. Expeditions also require substantial planning to ensure they are able to achieve this purpose.) Have students share their ideas with the class. Write down the ideas on butcher paper and keep them for use in Activity #2—Plan and Prepare for an Expedition—to help students keep the characteristics of an expedition clear in their minds.

6. Analyze the reasons behind present-day expeditions.

Have students analyze a present-day expedition. Explain to students that there is a place far from people, barely explored, and full of danger, that needs to be explored now because the risk is that it will soon be lost. There are places about 60 miles from Florida, on the islands called the Bahamas that fit this description—places called “blue holes.” Have students watch the video clip, Mapping the Unknown, Part 1: Kenny Broad and Blue Holes , to look for reasons why scientists wanted to explore the blue holes there. Have students answer these three questions in a paragraph for each:

  • What is the purpose of this blue holes expedition? What do you think the scientists want to accomplish?
  • Do you think the explorers/scientists on the Blue Holes Expedition would agree with your reasons for exploring from the brainstorming today? Explain. What additional reasons do they have for why they explore?
  • How is the Blue Hole Expedition different than historical explorations? (Hint: think about available technology and scientific advancements as well as purpose.)

Conclude the activity by explaining that students will now focus in the next set of activities on the details of conducting an expedition, culminating in implementing their own micro-expeditions. They should keep their ideas from this activity in mind throughout the process to help them develop their plans.

Informal Assessment

Have students summarize in writing their ideas for the questions in Step 4. Check for synthesis of ideas about exploration and a comparison of the class’ ideas with the approach to exploration in the video.

Extending the Learning

Show the short videos A Young Explorer and Why Water Exploration? in which Dr. Kenny Broad talks about why he liked to explore as a kid and where his interest in water exploration came from. Ask: What do you think is his motivation for exploration, past and present?

Students can research present-day explorers on the National Geographic Explorers website . Students can choose an explorer and determine the purpose of their explorations. Discuss whether the featured explorers changed students’ definitions of what it means to explore.

Tips & Modifications

Students can research citizen science opportunities that align with their exploration interests. Have them explore CitSci.org , iNaturalist.org , National Geographic Education Citizen Science Projects , or look for other opportunities in their local area.

Skills Summary

This activity targets the following skills:

  • Media Literacy
  • Communication and Collaboration
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Asking Geographic Questions
  • Planning and carrying out investigations

Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices

Ira/ncte standards for the english language arts.

  • Standard 12: Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).
  • Standard 8: Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

National Council for Social Studies Curriculum Standards

  • Theme 3: People, Places, and Environments

National Geography Standards

  • Standard 4: The physical and human characteristics of places

National Science Education Standards

  • (5-8) Standard G-1 : Science as a human endeavor
  • (5-8) Standard G-2 : Nature of science
  • (5-8) Standard G-3 : History of science
  • (9-12) Standard G-1 : Science as a human endeavor
  • (9-12) Standard G-2 : Nature of scientific knowledge
  • (9-12) Standard G-3 : Historical perspectives

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Video Editor

Expert reviewers, national geographic explorer, production assistant, last updated.

March 7, 2024

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

CULTURELink, Inc.

The Value of a Vision Trip

What is a vision trip or a scout team.

Different organizations may use different terms—vision trip, scout team, preview, or exploratory trip—but all are essentially the same thing. A vision trip is commissioned or scout team sent for a threefold purpose, to:

  • Make observations about the people (both ministry partners and nationals) and place of the potential trip.
  • Participate in practical activities to better understand how and why things are done certain ways, and to better understand the tangible expression of a partner’s mission and ministry.
  • Build relationships and foster trust between the senders, ministry partners, and the community as a whole.

All gathered information is to be reported back to the senders so they can more clearly understand the true needs of those they intend to serve, define healthy parameters with ministry partners, and better prepare future groups.

exploratory trip define

Is there a biblical basis for vision trips or scout teams?

In Luke 10, Jesus sent out seventy-two of His followers in groups of two before He visited each area of potential ministry. HIs objective was for them to build relationships and pray for God’s work in the region. They intentionally left all of their supplies behind, which required them to interact with and depend upon local residents and resources. This required the disciples to:

  • Interact with strangers in practical ways.
  • Learn how to accomplish basic tasks within the customary means of the host region.
  • Better understand and relate to the people to whom they were sent in order to build relationships for the Kingdom.

Jesus utilized this strategy to first identify where His Father was at work, and then to build relationships in order to maximize the impact of His ministry.

Numbers 13–14 is another biblical passage providing a foundation for sending a scout team. Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan to gather information on the people and land and report back to him. We highlight this passage during Session 2: Cultural Research of our training curriculum.

What should a scout team look like?

While each vision trip is varied in duration, scope, and activities, there are standard principles to which each scout team should adhere. Scout teams should be:

  • Small. The team should able to fit in one car (including your host), perhaps 2–3 people (we prefer a small group over a single traveler for purposes of brainstorming, collaboration, and security).
  • Leaders. Whether staff or volunteers, the scout team should be composed of those involved in the decision-making and communication process back home. If possible, one scout team member should lead (or travel with) the ensuing team.
  • Experienced. These people should be seasoned in both ministry and travel, knowing what things to look for and what questions to ask. It is not ideal to send novices on vision trips.
  • Humble. The scout team isn’t traveling to the host country to push an agenda or steal the show. They are observers, thinkers, communicators (speakers as well as listeners), and servants.

exploratory trip define

What should a scout team look for?

Scout teams want to get a look at all aspects of the host culture. This may seem daunting, but by breaking it down into a few broad categories, the task will become much more manageable.

Here are some helpful questions to ask as you evaluate your host culture:

  • What are the basic demographics of the community? Is it full of young families or primarily elderly people? Is there a university or college nearby? Do people live in the community their whole lives, or do they eventually move away?
  • What is the general religious climate of the community? Identify the places of worship and the general “schedule” for their practitioners. Is attending religious services a social expectation, or is attendance only valued by a minority of the population? Do most members of the community adhere to one religious system? Do members of different faiths live harmoniously or in conflict with one another?
  • What historical and cultural events have shaped their worldview? In the United States, we take a linear view of history; many other parts of the world remember history not by what occurred most recently, but by what has impacted their lives and cultures most.
  • What drives the economy? Is it based on agricultural or industrial development? Is it fueled by tourism or technology? Where are the businesses located—do employees commute? Who operates the businesses—are most of them family owned, or are they run by large corporations? What technology is available, and how is it used?
  • What is the attitude towards outsiders—Americans/Westerners in particular? Will they respond positively to the long-term engagement of future teams, or is there a distrust of new people? What stereotypes do they have of you and your culture? If a community does not particularly like outsiders and tourists, a small team of mature, culturally sensitive adults may be more effective than a large group of high-school students on a short-term trip.
  • What brings the community together? What holidays and festivals are celebrated and when? Do people routinely gather after work or school for socializing? How do people connect through sports, music, art? Scout teams should also take note of community gathering places: parks, cafés, coffee shops, markets, and pubs.
  • What are the physical needs and spiritual strongholds? Poverty can express itself in several ways: unemployment, homelessness, lack of education, deficiency in healthcare, or scarcity of food and water. Do communities seem to be plagued by common addictions? What are the primary challenges to the family unit—separated/abandoned spouses, orphaned children, abuse, or criminal activity?
  • Who is God connecting you to relationally? Identify locals that are open to conversation, receptive to your presence, and willing to connect you with other members of the community. How can you build upon these initial relationships?

This overview is by no means comprehensive—it’s just a starting point. The key is to gather more information than you think necessary. Vision trips and scout teams cost money, and not every church or organization sees their value. The information you gather may not seem critical in the short-term, but it can be extremely valuable in the long run. If a scout team is being mobilized, a great deal of research and communication with the field site should have already taken place so that the vision trip can be focused and efficient. This is the last step in identifying and initiating a new partnership before mobilizing short-term teams.

The relationships initiated and information gathered by a scout team will greatly benefit the pre-field preparation and on-field ministry of future teams, as well as the long-term vision of your partners on the field. Vision trips and scout teams should not be viewed as merely an added expense in an organization’s budget but, instead, as an investment in the future.

Comments are closed.

© 2024 CULTURELink, Inc.. Making disciples of those who make disciples of all nations.

  • Our Mission & Ministry
  • Our Beliefs
  • Missions Consulting
  • Short-Term Trip Leaders
  • Intentional Living
  • STM Curriculum
  • Our Partners & Initiatives
  • Worker Care
  • Custom Short-Term Trips
  • Country Research
  • Trip Insurance

Go to the homepage

Definition of 'exploratory'

  • exploratory

IPA Pronunciation Guide

Video: pronunciation of exploratory

Youtube video

exploratory in American English

Examples of 'exploratory' in a sentence exploratory, related word partners exploratory, trends of exploratory.

View usage over: Since Exist Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

In other languages exploratory

  • American English : exploratory / ɪksˈplɔrətɔri /
  • Brazilian Portuguese : exploratório
  • Chinese : 探索性的
  • European Spanish : exploratorio
  • French : exploratoire
  • German : exploratorisch
  • Italian : esplorativo
  • Japanese : 探検の 
  • Korean : 답사의
  • European Portuguese : exploratório
  • Spanish : exploratorio

Browse alphabetically exploratory

  • explorational
  • explorationist
  • exploratively
  • exploratory committee
  • exploratory drilling
  • exploratory mission
  • All ENGLISH words that begin with 'E'

Related terms of exploratory

  • exploratory talks
  • exploratory well
  • View more related words

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Image

Wordle Helper

Tile

Scrabble Tools

Image

TCI - Trans Concierge International - information and community for expats and prepats

Shopping Cart

No products in the cart.

Top 10: How to Make the Most of Your Exploratory Trip

by Rachel DeSalvo | Feb 17, 2022 | Global | 1 comment

exploratory trip define

Your exploratory trip is your best opportunity to decide where you’d like to settle, what you need to know in advance, or even whether you want to be an expat at all. Here are 10 ways to make the most of your exploratory trip.

Exploratory Trip Tip #10: Visit for a Significant Amount of Time

I say “significant” rather than “two weeks” or “three months” because everyone has different restrictions regarding cost, taking time off work, and other obligations. The longer you can spend in your prospective home country, the better. One week to sample the flavors of one country isn’t enough, plus it takes several days to shake off jet lag! Time to relax, meander, eat local foods, visit different areas, and experience the climate will help acquaint yourself to the community.

Exploratory Trip Tip #9: Spend Time in More Than One Area of the Country

Where in the world? by Capturing the human heart

Say you have your heart set on living in Rome, but you’ve never lived in a big, bustling city. I

f you move there without checking out the coastal towns on the Adriatic Sea, hill towns of Tuscany, mountain villages in the Alps – how will you know if city life is for you?

The exploratory trip should include stays in the very different geographic, climate, cultural, and lifestyle locales within your prospective country.

Exploratory Trip Tip #8: Visit More Than One Country

It’s a big wide world out there with so many options! Make the right decision for you by exploring two or three different countries. The upfront costs are worth it.

Exploratory Trip Tip #7: Visit Virtual Expat Communities

Thanks to the old World Wide Web, it’s easy to connect with other expats! Here on TCI, there are virtual communities of long-time expats you can connect with and webinars to take. Read, post questions, check out local happenings, and start virtual friendships. These are your experts, so use them!

Exploratory Trip Tip #6: Talk to Members of the Expat Community Face-to-Face

After you’ve virtually met with the expert expats of the TCI community, why not meet them face-to-face while you’re in their adopted country? Invite them for coffee. Ask them what they love and hate about living there. Find out the best neighborhoods to live in and the ones to avoid. Ask them about visas, laws, mistakes they’ve made, nightlife, holidays – whatever! We love talking about our expat lives and love coffee!

Exploratory Trip Tip #5: Review the Visa Laws

There are visa laws and restrictions that may preclude your living in one country over another. Before visiting, review the visa laws to see how “easy” it is to get a long-term or permanent visa (expat pages on Facebook are great resources for the most current information). In certain countries, expats make “border runs” to renew their visas. In others, you must either have property, a local job, a pension, or a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a visa.

Exploratory Trip Tip #4: Skip Holidays and Festivals

Try to avoid visiting a country during massive festivals such as Carnival (Brazil) or Holi (India). When a country or city is in “party mode” it’s hard to get a good feel for what it’s normally like every day.

Exploratory Trip Tip #3: Avoid Tourist Traps

Too much fun by Ishan Das

It’s easy to just follow the TripAdvisor top three, but mix it up and visit places that are not tourist traps.

Leave the city center and visit local neighborhoods, restaurants, shows, and events. Reach out to the local people—not expats—and spend time with them, too.

Exploratory Trip Tip #2: Be Mobile

Rent a car, hire a driver, take local buses—just get out of town and see the surrounding country. There is just as much flavor outside the city as inside it. One thing I love about living in Cuenca, Ecuador is the gorgeous; lush green countryside and mountains just outside the city. Whenever I need to “get away” I jump on my motorcycle and find a trail to hike.

Exploratory Trip Tip #1: Don’t Rush

Sometimes we have this timeline – we MUST decide by a certain date – but moving to a foreign country is not something to be rushed. If you don’t like the country you’ve visited, don’t despair! Just check out another one until you find the right fit.

Living in a foreign country is a huge decision, but with the right research, you can make the best choice for yourself. This is an exciting time – enjoy every minute!

So, when are you taking your exploratory trip? We want to hear all about it.

by: Rachel DeSalvo

exploratory trip define

Register and:

  • Get access to hundreds of blogs
  • Get your subscription to our newsletter
  • Get access to the platform

There was a problem reporting this post.

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

  • TheFreeDictionary
  • Word / Article
  • Starts with
  • Free toolbar & extensions
  • Word of the Day
  • Free content
  • exploratory

ex·plo·ra·tion

Ex•plor•a•to•ry, also ex•plor′a•tive,, ex·plor·a·to·ry.

  • Alexander I Island
  • drilling rig
  • experimental
  • explode a bombshell
  • exploded view
  • exploding cucumber
  • exploding star
  • exploitable
  • exploitation
  • exploitative
  • exploitatively
  • exploitatory
  • exploration
  • explorational
  • explorationist
  • explorative
  • exploratively
  • exploratory hunting
  • exploratory survey
  • Explorement
  • explorer's gentian
  • explosion welding
  • explosive charge
  • explosive compound
  • explosive detection system
  • explosive device
  • explosive filled mine
  • explosive forming
  • explosive mixture
  • explosive ordnance
  • explosive ordnance disposal
  • explosive ordnance disposal incident
  • explosive ordnance disposal procedures
  • explosive ordnance disposal unit
  • explosive ordnance reconnaissance
  • explosive trace detection
  • Exploration, Geographic
  • Explorations
  • Explorations Diagnostiques dans les Situations Aiguës
  • Explorations Fonctionelles Physiologiques
  • Explorations Fonctionnelles du Système Nerveux
  • Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires
  • Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires Nasales
  • Explorations in Cyber International Relations
  • Explorations in Economic History
  • Explorations in Renaissance Culture
  • Explorations of Hope
  • Explorative data analysis
  • Exploratorium Digital Asset Management
  • Exploratory analysis
  • exploratory biopsy
  • Exploratory Center for Obesity Research
  • Exploratory Climate Land Assessment and Impact Management
  • Exploratory Clinical Trial Applications
  • Exploratory Computer Vision Group
  • Exploratory data analysis
  • Exploratory demolition
  • Exploratory Development
  • Exploratory Development Committee
  • Exploratory Development Goal
  • Exploratory Development Objective
  • Exploratory Development Program Plan
  • Exploratory Development Requirement
  • Exploratory Drilling
  • exploratory drive
  • Exploratory Factor Analysis
  • exploratory IND study
  • Exploratory Investigational New Drugs
  • exploratory laparotomy
  • Exploratory Mining Excavations
  • Exploratory Oil and Gas Drilling Limited Partnership
  • Exploratory Oil and Gas Drilling Limited Partnerships
  • Exploratory Oil and Gas Drilling Partnership
  • Facebook Share

Synonyms of exploratory

  • as in experimental
  • More from M-W
  • To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Thesaurus Definition of exploratory

Synonyms & Similar Words

  • experimental
  • investigative
  • speculative
  • preliminary
  • theoretical
  • developmental
  • preparatory
  • hypothetical
  • provisional
  • conjectural

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • established

Thesaurus Entries Near exploratory

explorations

exploratory

Cite this Entry

“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploratory. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on exploratory

Nglish: Translation of exploratory for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of exploratory for Arabic Speakers

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

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

8 grammar terms you used to know, but forgot, homophones, homographs, and homonyms, commonly misspelled words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, popular in wordplay, the words of the week - mar. 15, 9 superb owl words, 'gaslighting,' 'woke,' 'democracy,' and other top lookups, 10 words for lesser-known games and sports, your favorite band is in the dictionary, games & quizzes.

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.

  • Daily Crossword
  • Word Puzzle
  • Word Finder
  • Word of the Day
  • Synonym of the Day
  • Word of the Year
  • Language stories
  • All featured
  • Gender and sexuality
  • All pop culture
  • Grammar Coach ™
  • Writing hub
  • Grammar essentials
  • Commonly confused
  • All writing tips
  • Pop culture
  • Writing tips

Advertisement

  • exploratory

adjective as in preliminary

Strongest matches

  • preparatory

Strong matches

  • fundamental

Weak matches

adjective as in prolegomenous

  • introductory

adjective as in searching

  • penetrating
  • experimental
  • fact-finding
  • inquisitive

adjective as in trial

Strongest match

  • preliminary
  • probationary
  • provisional

Discover More

Related words.

Words related to exploratory are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word exploratory . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adjective as in introductory, initial

adjective as in probing

adjective as in experimental

Example Sentences

The following bits of journalism are more exploratory than hard-hitting.

Campa-Najjar, who had formed an exploratory committee, announced earlier this week that he believed the district should be represented by a woman of color after also releasing polling showing he was the leading Democrat in the race.

This is more of an exploratory technique, so test yourself and try finding what feels good to you.

Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer took the next stop in his long, drawn-out flirtation with a run for governor of California by announcing Monday that he’s formed an exploratory committee for a bid.

Essentially, they think an ancestral archaeon began reaching into the world around it and associating with bacteria through these exploratory blebs of membrane.

Unlike former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Huckabee is not immediately forming an exploratory committee.

Rand Paul announced he would form an exploratory committee for a Senate campaign at just the right time, in May 2009.

Gorgeous gave them an opportunity to take on a serious subject in a fun, exploratory way, McGill says.

It is not an efficient way to write, but I love that exploratory phase, when even bad writing somehow seems promising.

In February, he formed an exploratory committee for his congressional bid.

From this exploratory trip, the boats returned to their newly named harbour of Brest, on the 13th.

It is the last book to which he should return at the close of his exploratory voyages.

In the latter case paring becomes necessary as an exploratory means to diagnosis.

The thinking of things out carefully over a second and third cup of coffee, cautious self exploratory reasoning.

This was our seventh exploratory trip after our sixth landing since entering the field of the sun Ponthis.

Synonym of the day

Start each day with the Synonym of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

On this page you'll find 73 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to exploratory, such as: preparatory, prior, basic, first, fundamental, and opening.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

Cambridge Dictionary

  • Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of explorative in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

  • An explorative study was conducted with patients in the clinic .
  • A preliminary explorative analysis was performed before the main project began .
  • At this stage , the investigation is mainly explorative, as it uses only a very small sample .
  • Our explorative work suggests that the effect has been underestimated .
  • He produced a series of musically explorative documentaries about the composer .
  • beachcomber
  • beachcombing
  • body search
  • bounty hunter
  • keep your/an eye out for someone/something idiom
  • leave no stone unturned idiom
  • shake someone down
  • skip tracer

{{randomImageQuizHook.quizId}}

Word of the Day

a small model of a person or animal with parts of the body that are moved with strings

Renowned and celebrated (Words meaning ‘famous’)

Renowned and celebrated (Words meaning ‘famous’)

exploratory trip define

Learn more with +Plus

  • Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
  • Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
  • Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
  • Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
  • English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
  • English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
  • English–Dutch Dutch–English
  • English–French French–English
  • English–German German–English
  • English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
  • English–Italian Italian–English
  • English–Japanese Japanese–English
  • English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
  • English–Polish Polish–English
  • English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
  • English–Spanish Spanish–English
  • English–Swedish Swedish–English
  • Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
  • English    Adjective
  • All translations

Add explorative to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

IMAGES

  1. Examples and Types of Exploratory Research Questions

    exploratory trip define

  2. Sea of Cortez Mexico Exploratory trip

    exploratory trip define

  3. How to Conduct Exploratory Research for Your Early Research Needs

    exploratory trip define

  4. Your Exploratory Trip to Ecuador [10 Best Tips]

    exploratory trip define

  5. Exploratory trip down an Arctic River

    exploratory trip define

  6. Sea of Cortez Mexico Exploratory trip

    exploratory trip define

VIDEO

  1. RV-12 Alternate Route

  2. An epic view can define the entire trip. Video Credit: @alexandre.vek @martin_vek #exploremore

COMMENTS

  1. Exploratory Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of EXPLORATORY is of, relating to, or being exploration. How to use exploratory in a sentence.

  2. EXPLORATORY Definition & Usage Examples

    Exploratory definition: pertaining to or concerned with exploration. See examples of EXPLORATORY used in a sentence.

  3. EXPLORATORY

    EXPLORATORY meaning: 1. done in order to discover more about something: 2. done in order to discover more about…. Learn more.

  4. exploratory adjective

    Definition of exploratory adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

  5. EXPLORATORY

    EXPLORATORY definition: 1. done in order to discover more about something: 2. done in order to discover more about…. Learn more.

  6. EXPLORATORY definition and meaning

    Exploratory actions are done in order to discover something or to learn the truth about.... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video.

  7. Why We Explore

    noun. a group of closely scattered islands in a large body of water. expedition. noun. exploration. noun. Students discuss the meaning of exploration and places they would like to explore. They compare past and present-day explorers' reasons for exploration to their own.

  8. Exploration

    exploration: 1 n travel for the purpose of discovery Synonyms: geographic expedition Type of: expedition a journey organized for a particular purpose n a careful systematic search Types: probe an exploratory action or expedition Type of: hunt , hunting , search the activity of looking thoroughly in order to find something or someone n a ...

  9. exploratory

    exploratory meaning: done in order to discover or learn about something: . Learn more.

  10. Exploratory

    exploratory: 1 adj serving in or intended for exploration or discovery "an exploratory operation" " exploratory reconnaissance" "digging an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico" " exploratory talks between diplomats" Synonyms: explorative alpha early testing stage of a software or hardware product beta preliminary or testing stage of a ...

  11. The Value of a Vision Trip

    Different organizations may use different terms—vision trip, scout team, preview, or exploratory trip—but all are essentially the same thing. A vision trip is commissioned or scout team sent for a threefold purpose, to: Make observations about the people (both ministry partners and nationals) and place of the potential trip.

  12. EXPLORATION definition in American English

    exploratory (ɪkˈsplɒrətərɪ ... expedition, tour, trip, survey. investigation, study, research, survey. More Synonyms of exploration. Related word partners exploration. allow exploration. exploration activity. ... Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android. Read more.

  13. EXPLORATORY definition in American English

    exploratory. (ɪksplɔrətɔri ) adjective. Exploratory actions are done in order to discover something or to learn the truth about something. Exploratory surgery revealed her liver cancer. Synonyms: investigative, trial, searching, probing More Synonyms of exploratory. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

  14. Top 10: How to Make the Most of Your Exploratory Trip

    Exploratory Trip Tip #8: Visit More Than One Country. It's a big wide world out there with so many options! Make the right decision for you by exploring two or three different countries. The upfront costs are worth it. Exploratory Trip Tip #7: Visit Virtual Expat Communities. Thanks to the old World Wide Web, it's easy to connect with other ...

  15. Exploratory

    Define exploratory. exploratory synonyms, exploratory pronunciation, exploratory translation, English dictionary definition of exploratory. ... exploratory trip/expedition → Erkundungsfahrt f → /-expedition f; exploratory digging/drilling → Probegrabungen pl → /-bohrungen pl; exploratory work → Vorarbeiten pl; exploratory surgery, an ...

  16. an exploratory trip

    The exploratory trip also comes at a time of what appears to be a softening in relations between the United States and North Korea. 2 The New York Times - Arts Andrew H. Rosen, Blackboard's executive vice president, made his first exploratory trip to Beijing in 2001. 3 The New York Times ...

  17. EXPLORATORY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

    Synonyms for EXPLORATORY: experimental, investigative, speculative, tentative, theoretic, preliminary, theoretical, developmental; Antonyms of EXPLORATORY: standard ...

  18. EXPLORATORY

    EXPLORATORY definition: done in order to discover or learn about something: . Learn more.

  19. exploratory trip

    exploratory trip in English dictionary . exploratory trip Sample sentences with "exploratory trip" Declension Stem . Match words . all exact any . 2.4 The catches consistent with and obtained during the exploratory trip remain the property of the vessel owner. EurLex-2.

  20. exploratory trip definition

    exploratory trip translation in English - English Reverso dictionary, see also 'exploration, Explorer, expletory, export', examples, definition, conjugation

  21. 69 Synonyms & Antonyms for exploratory

    Find 69 different ways to say exploratory, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.

  22. EXPLORATIVE

    EXPLORATIVE definition: 1. done in order to discover more about something, or with the intention of discovering new things…. Learn more.