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
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
While that might not be directly applicable to the University of Florida or any other school looking into the option, the technology provides an easy means of sorting out those a governing figure doesn’t want in attendance, which is where Neves jumps back into the frame.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Clear-eyed and forthright about the fallout of fractured families, the film also weaves a dreamscape of sorts out of meditative interludes of skate footage that provide fluidity in a shape-shifting narrative.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Many of the passengers, some from China and the Philippines, spoke little English, so along with the ambulances and the tow trucks, translators were brought in to help police sort out what happened.
—Nic Anderson, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sort out
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Phrasal verb
With Saturn retrograde in Pisces, activating your sixth house of health and due diligence, this is a call to polish your day-to-day schedule and sort out your priorities.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
While that might not be directly applicable to the University of Florida or any other school looking into the option, the technology provides an easy means of sorting out those a governing figure doesn’t want in attendance, which is where Neves jumps back into the frame.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Clear-eyed and forthright about the fallout of fractured families, the film also weaves a dreamscape of sorts out of meditative interludes of skate footage that provide fluidity in a shape-shifting narrative.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Many of the passengers, some from China and the Philippines, spoke little English, so along with the ambulances and the tow trucks, translators were brought in to help police sort out what happened.
—Nic Anderson, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sort out
Cite this Entry
“Sort out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sort%20out. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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