spell out

verb

spelled out; spelling out; spells out

transitive verb

1

: to make plain

spelled out the orders in detail

2

: to write or print in letters and in full

numbers are to be spelled out

Synonyms of spell out

• explain
• illustrate
• clarify
• demonstrate

Examples of spell out in a Sentence

the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man

Recent Examples on the Web

But no timetable or process was spelled out and powerful oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia oppose it. —Arkansas Online, 22 Nov. 2025

The nature of Wilder and Raymond's relationship was not spelled out in the complaint. —Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 17 Nov. 2025

The resulting economic conditions spell out a difficult experience for working class Tennesseans struggling to keep up. —Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Nov. 2025

Leaders at big carmakers spelled out their worries in the latest round of earnings calls, saying that finding a replacement for Nexperia at scale in the short term will be difficult. —Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spell out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

spell out

verb

1

: to make very plain

our duties were spelled out

2

: to write or print in letters and in full