1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it
eating oysters straight out of their shells
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form
workers at the shipyard have thus far erected the shell of the ship
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in exterior
an outer part or layer
the shell of the building is all glass, making it conspicuous on a street with mostly limestone facades
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shell
Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Helly Hansen’s proprietary three-layer shell proved positively impenetrable over a season of testing, including several spring snowstorms while ski-touring.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 26 June 2025
Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Saturday’s loss also saw Ryan Yarbrough shelled for the first time since the swingman entered the Yankees’ rotation.
—Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell
Noun
Feel free to collect any empty shells or dead sand dollars, though.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Helly Hansen’s proprietary three-layer shell proved positively impenetrable over a season of testing, including several spring snowstorms while ski-touring.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 26 June 2025
Verb
The blocks of stone may also have limited damage caused by shelling during Israel’s War of Independence in 1948 and the fighting in the Six Day War of 1967.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Saturday’s loss also saw Ryan Yarbrough shelled for the first time since the swingman entered the Yankees’ rotation.
—Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell
Noun
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He was arrested in December 2022 in Pennsylvania after forensic evidence linked him to the murders, including DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene and cellphone data placing him near the victims' home multiple times. Jan. 4, 2023 Kohberger was extradited to Idaho on Jan. 4, 2023.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2025
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Their evidence would have included DNA evidence that linked him to a knife sheath found at the crime scene.—
July 2,
CBS News,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Recruitment: Writing job descriptions can be an arduous task, but by creating a first draft with AI, HR leaders can focus on more strategic tasks, such as maximizing the company’s organizational structure to best support teams.—
Julie Hoagland,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Biomass can also penetrate into ice, pictured below, and collect information about ice-sheet structure and movement that could be used to better understand what controls the slide of glaciers into the sea.—
Emma R. Hasson,
Scientific American,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Often considered to be the first truly American style of architecture, Prairie homes typically have a low-slung, cantilevered roof; rows of windows; a brick or stucco exterior; and a large central fireplace.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
7 July 2025
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Made with a trendy, puffy exterior, this spacious tote comes with a padded laptop sleeve, a discreet zippered side pocket (perfect for stashing your passport), and an expandable zippered bottom that can add 3.5 additional inches of storage space.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Keep your eyes peeled for beavers in the three lakes, moose grazing near the shoreline, and various bird species throughout the journey.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
7 July 2025
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Nailing down these basics might sound tedious, but trust us: These habits will save your future self (and sensitive skin) a whole lot of pain, peeling, and regret down the line.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Trump said military pilots who successfully bombed Iran will be guests for a flyover of military planes during the patriotic ceremony.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
-
The Twelve-Day War between Israel and Iran in June concluded shortly after the United States intervened by bombing Iranian nuclear sites with 30,000-pound bunker busters dropped by strategic B-2 Spirit stealth bombers.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
There were 22 shell casings from different guns found on the scene.—
Andrea May Sahouri,
Freep.com,
9 July 2025
-
Although the focus was on practicality, Melissa made sure to incorporate details like trim and casings to foster a depth that was absent before.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Robust data governance frameworks, phased roll‑outs and ongoing education programs are all key strategies to help mitigate these challenges.—
Dr. Taha Kass-Hout,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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On iOS, attackers deliver the malware through fake software frameworks or enterprise provisioning profiles, often disguised as legitimate components.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Plus, take the elbow grease out of scrubbing hard surfaces and opt for this electric spin scrubber that’s 42 percent off.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
9 July 2025
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However, this exact reason could be beneficial for sleepers with back pain, as well as heavier sleepers, who require a firmer surface to keep their spines happy and in alignment.—
Julia Forbes,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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