1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it
eating oysters straight out of their shells
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form
workers at the shipyard have thus far erected the shell of the ship
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in exterior
an outer part or layer
the shell of the building is all glass, making it conspicuous on a street with mostly limestone facades
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shell
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Investigators determined the gun was consistent with having fired the three 9mm shell casings recovered outside the drive-thru window that killed Gray.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
While the indictment does not allege Gómez actually fired the shots at agents, the charges for the first time connect the 9mm weapon allegedly found on Gomez to shell casings at the scene.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shell
Noun
In some simulations, the sinking began after 1 to 3 million years and reached the base of the shell after 5 to 10 million years.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Investigators determined the gun was consistent with having fired the three 9mm shell casings recovered outside the drive-thru window that killed Gray.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
Investigators later linked the handgun to shell casings at the scene, the affidavit said.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
While the indictment does not allege Gómez actually fired the shots at agents, the charges for the first time connect the 9mm weapon allegedly found on Gomez to shell casings at the scene.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell
Noun
-
The wires came into direct contact with the metal sheath, activating the pole.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Taylor stepped out yesterday evening for the New York premiere of The Rip, wearing a sheer black dress with an ultra-high neckline and mask-like sheath across her face by Ashi Studio.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
When adults normalize reflective conversation alongside predictable routines, boys build internal structure more readily, and with far less conflict.—
Dr. Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Mountain View Fire Rescue Mountain View Fire Rescue says firefighters were called to the house on Daily Drive Saturday night after a warming system for an avocado tree caught fire just outside the building and the flames spread to the structure.—
Jesse Sarles,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Her favorite styles have a puffer exterior, and Amazon’s fashion store has some in stock and on sale for up to 53 percent off right now.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
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These under-$20 ski gloves are waterproof, windproof, and suited for temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to their thermal fleece interior, durable TPU exterior, and adjustable wrist buckle that can be tightened to lock in heat.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
During the 12 Day War in Iran, when Evin Prison was bombed, some prisoners got free.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Also, bombing South America and killing civilians.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Police recovered a firearm at the scene, as well as spent shell casings that appeared to match the firearm.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Investigators quickly identified Armstrong, then 35, as a suspect after surveillance footage showed her vehicle near the scene shortly before the shooting and forensic evidence tied a gun registered to her to shell casings at the scene.—
Kiah Collier,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
When Governance Stalls, Corporate Duty Does Not Disappear Human rights frameworks were built for a reason.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
In this framework, child care costs are treated much like other employee benefits like a flexible spending account or health care.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Use plain cabinet doors with simple hardware, add streamlined seating and lights, and keep surfaces clutter-free.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
21 Jan. 2026
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Wipe down surfaces and clean crumbs to maintain cleanliness and prevent pests.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And anyone who has tried to record a podcast while the neighbor has the leaf-blower out or their dog is barking will know that this sort of environmental control saves a whole lot of post-production time and headaches.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Jan. 2026
-
As Dumars and Byrne, Damon and Affleck are reduced to growling law-enforcement speak, barking into walkie-talkies and carrying out every conversation while at least one hand rests on an automatic weapon—just in case someone bursts through the wall.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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