explore
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for explore, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To travel through an unfamiliar place in order to learn about it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use explore
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French explorer, from Latin explorare, "to investigate, search out" — originally a hunting term meaning "to cry out," from ex- ("out") + plorare ("to cry").
Full origin of explore →Frequently asked questions
What does “explore” mean?
The word “explore” means to travel through an unfamiliar place in order to learn about it. In plain terms, to travel around discovering a place, or to think carefully through an idea or option.
How do you pronounce “explore”?
“Explore” is pronounced ihk-SPLAW (/ɪkˈsploɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “explore” in a sentence?
Here is “explore” used in a sentence: “Divers explored the sunken shipwreck for hidden treasure.”
What part of speech is “explore”?
“Explore” is a verb.
Where does the word “explore” come from?
The word “explore” comes from Latin. From Middle French explorer, from Latin explorare, "to investigate, search out" — originally a hunting term meaning "to cry out," from ex- ("out") + plorare ("to cry").
Is “explore” a common word?
“Explore” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “explore” have?
“Explore” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to travel through an unfamiliar place in order to learn about it.
What is the difference between 'explore' and 'discover'?
To 'explore' is to travel through or examine something carefully in order to learn about it, focusing on the process of searching. To 'discover' is to find something for the first time, focusing on the result, so you often explore an area in the hope of discovering something new.
What is the difference between 'explore' and 'investigate'?
'Explore' suggests an open-ended search or examination to learn about a place or idea, without a fixed conclusion in mind. 'Investigate' is more systematic and purposeful, usually aimed at uncovering facts or solving a specific problem, as in investigating a crime.
What is the difference between 'explore' and 'examine'?
'Explore' often implies moving through or ranging over something wide, such as a region or a broad topic, to learn about it. 'Examine' suggests looking closely and in detail at something specific to check or understand it, so exploring is broader and examining is more focused.
Does 'explore' need a preposition after it?
'Explore' is usually a transitive verb that takes a direct object with no preposition, as in 'explore the cave' or 'explore the idea.' You should not say 'explore into something,' since the object follows the verb directly.