spell 1 of 2

noun

Definition of spellnext
1
as in curse
a spoken word or set of words believed to have magic power the witch cast a spell that turned the prince into a toad

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2
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a dizzy spell that caused me to fall

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3
as in while
an indefinite but usually short period of time come rest a spell

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spell

2 of 2

verb

ˈspel How to pronounce spell (audio)
1
as in to possess
to cast a spell on it was as if he had spelled the public into believing his ridiculous claims

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to mean
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind that summertime combination of hot temperatures and equally hot tempers can spell trouble

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spell
Noun
Months of dry weather, a record lack of snow in some areas, hot spells and erratic winds have contributed to wildfires in Utah and other parts of the West. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Although Wizards Beyond Waverly Place brought back some familiar faces before casting its final spell, not all of the Russo family was around for the finale. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
While deep in the throes of his intestinal Hell, Tony has a series of fever dreams that start out as subtle warnings and end up practically spelling it out for him. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Our guide to Acadia National Park spells it all out and more—and don’t forget your hiking boots! — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell
  1. curse
  2. bout
  3. while
  4. possess
  5. mean
  6. incantation
  7. attack
  8. space
Noun
  • Along with the town’s hard-drinking fisherman Wyck (Root), and the town hall staff of Patricia (O’Flynn), Rosemary (Dickey) and Dale (Hiller), Loftis tries to ignore a centuries-old island curse while attracting tourists to the island.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In other cases Hoodoo was used to counter the threat of curses, as in the practice of suspending bottles from a tree to trap any malevolent spirits or witches traveling in spirit form.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • Similar bouts of traders closing short positions in early June and early July initially pushed prices higher before the gains eventually faded.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In Las Vegas for the Mike Tyson-Bruce Seldon fight at the MGM Grand, Shakur and Knight were among the entertainment-industry celebrities who descended on Sin City for the bout.
    — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of bout
Noun
  • Threatening to make this the most disappointing Mizzou season in a while is defensive attrition.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Finish this article of course, and tune into CNBC for a while to get caught up, but enjoy vacation.
    — Todd Gordon, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of while
Verb
  • Between impressive center depth and a prospect pool brimming with guys who possess playoff-style traits, the Mammoth have a well-rounded system that should turn this franchise into a perennial playoff contender.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Hamed Alsaidi, 31, has been charged with eight counts of possessing an unregistered destructive device.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of possess
Verb
  • That means scanning a 2D barcode can link you to an instruction manual, food allergens, coupons, show you what farm the product came from and whether the package is recyclable.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As the Gen4 car is also wider and longer than its predecessor, this, along with its formidable top speed, means FE has altered its calendar to include more permanent race tracks.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • The Hoodoo tradition presumes a belief in a supernatural or spirit world that can be called upon for assistance, often through charms and incantations.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As passengers chanted the incantation together, white light flashed through the carriage, and music swelled from the speakers.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of incantation
Noun
  • Kyiv has stepped up its attacks on Russia this year, with long-range missiles and swarms of drones targeting military industries and energy facilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks on the UAE earlier this year, the vast majority of which were intercepted, sparked tensions among locals and hammered the country's tourism and aviation industry.
    — Jenni Reid,Emma Graham, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • The Moon enters Sagittarius and your 4th House of Home, Family, and Emotional Roots, pulling your focus toward rest, privacy, space, or household needs.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The property is well-proportioned, with plenty of space and amenities.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of space

Phrases Containing spell

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speedy
spell
spellbind
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Cite this Entry

“Spell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spell. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spell

Nglish: Translation of spell for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spell

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