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

His mistakes have included depriving vulnerable older people of a benefit to heat their homes; raising payroll taxes on employers, while simultaneously asking them to hire more young people; and seeking a new relationship with the European Union, but never spelling out what that means. —Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026

Brentford head coach Keith Andrew spelled out the dilemma perfectly after the match. —Sam Lee, New York Times, 13 May 2026

The legislation also spells out enforcement steps the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Health and Human Services, Justice Department and state attorneys general can take against companies that violate the legislation. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 13 May 2026

Start with the lead story spelling out the problem and make sure to check out the whole package exploring its many dimensions. —Mario Aguilar, STAT, 12 May 2026

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