sorted out; sorting out; sorts out
1
: to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking
I'm trying to sort out a way to do it.
2
: to find an answer or solution for (something)
He's still trying to sort out his problems.
We need to get these problems sorted out as soon as possible.
They couldn't come up with a solution and decided to wait to see whether problem sorted itself out.
3
: to solve the problems of (someone)
They're still trying to sort their son out.
I just need a little more time to sort myself out.
4
British, informal
: to deal in a forceful way with (someone who is causing problems)
I told my brother they were bullying me, and he promised to sort them out (for me).
British
: an activity in which someone makes a room, closet, etc., neat and organized
Let's have a sort-out of the attic.
Examples of sort out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023
There are also difficult legal and financial issues to sort out.
—Ivan Penn, New York Times, 7 Nov. 2023
Moses said a subsequent hearing is needed to sort out the competing legal claims raised by the dispute, including instances in which private landowners have asked Texas officials to protect their property with the barriers.
—Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023
Everything the documentary needs is packed within its three parts, including an inherent trust in the viewer to sift through and sort out conflicting viewpoints.
—Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2023
There is also a long list of unresolved items that have received less public attention, but which may take considerable time to sort out.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 26 Oct. 2023
Jordan's pursuit of the speakership would have to exhaust itself, and other political calculations would need to be sorted out before Republicans determine next steps.
—Major Garrett, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2023
The administration is still sorting out the legal implications of the absence of a House speaker, an unprecedented situation that may be a barrier to congressional authorization for aid, one official said.
—Ellen Nakashima, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2023
Following a weeklong detainment in an ICE detention center, 21 Savage was released and allowed to remain in America while his immigration was sorted out.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2023
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Phrasal verb
Los Angeles police are trying to sort out the mystery of a Tarzana man, three missing family members and body parts found in a dumpster.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023
There are also difficult legal and financial issues to sort out.
—Ivan Penn, New York Times, 7 Nov. 2023
Moses said a subsequent hearing is needed to sort out the competing legal claims raised by the dispute, including instances in which private landowners have asked Texas officials to protect their property with the barriers.
—Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023
Everything the documentary needs is packed within its three parts, including an inherent trust in the viewer to sift through and sort out conflicting viewpoints.
—Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2023
There is also a long list of unresolved items that have received less public attention, but which may take considerable time to sort out.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 26 Oct. 2023
Jordan's pursuit of the speakership would have to exhaust itself, and other political calculations would need to be sorted out before Republicans determine next steps.
—Major Garrett, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2023
The administration is still sorting out the legal implications of the absence of a House speaker, an unprecedented situation that may be a barrier to congressional authorization for aid, one official said.
—Ellen Nakashima, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2023
Following a weeklong detainment in an ICE detention center, 21 Savage was released and allowed to remain in America while his immigration was sorted out.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sort out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near sort out
Cite this Entry
“Sort out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sort%20out. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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