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
Essence, 26 Sep. 2025
But in reality, the facility utilizes physical and psychological torture to break the kids down, turning them into hollow shells who will gladly submit themselves to the institute’s leader, Evelyn Wade (Toni Collette).
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025
The Sixers are shelling it out for theirs.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell
Noun
Appearing on many occasions in layered mixed jewelry, long locs accessorized with cowrie shells, or a shapely afro in her earlier life, Shakur represented an eclectic, personalized form of Afrocentric style.
—Essence, 26 Sep. 2025
But in reality, the facility utilizes physical and psychological torture to break the kids down, turning them into hollow shells who will gladly submit themselves to the institute’s leader, Evelyn Wade (Toni Collette).
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
Thanks to its unique geography and curved shape, Sanibel, together with its little sibling, Captiva Island, is one of the best places in the world for shelling.
—Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025
The Sixers are shelling it out for theirs.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell
Noun
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His models could have been downloaded from Zelda, with cargo pants that held axes and sword sheaths remade in fabric.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
23 Sep. 2025
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Also included is a Kydex sheath that can hold up to constant wear and tear, making this knife just as good for everyday carry.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But the relief is short-lived, as the structures around Shibuya Crossing begin to implode.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
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During another visit, a city investigator reported seeing unpermitted construction of concrete pads, structures and grading.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Microfleece lining on the interior creates a light but appreciably warm layer, while rugged cotton canvas on the exterior cuts the wind chill, protects from abrasions, and looks stylish to boot.—
Alice Bennett,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Sep. 2025
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The exterior reflects this theme, with blue and white siding and nautical-style light fixtures.—
Lennie Omalza,
Louisville Courier Journal,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Junta forces have bombed civilians in a bid to suppress rebellious provinces, killing thousands.—
Dan Swift,
Foreign Affairs,
30 Sep. 2025
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If Smith had bombed and Wilson had flourished in Denver, the stakes could have been high for Schneider.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Prosecutors said detectives found the Sub Compact 9mm handgun inside the satchel, which matches the caliber and bullet casing found at the scene of the shooting, adding that an empty magazine was found inside the handgun.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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The animals mostly settled on the metal casings rather than the explosive material, likely reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Mahmoud Abbas, speaking virtually because the US denied his visa, advocated for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, a framework that has gained more traction after several Western nations formally recognized a Palestinian state.—
Claire Cameron,
semafor.com,
28 Sep. 2025
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For now, the goal is to come up with a general framework.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Previously, the story followed Zagreus, the painfully cool son of Hades who spent his days making a break for the surface world to escape the overbearing grip of his father.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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Formation of protective layer A key outcome of using the DEDFP co-solvent is the formation of a stable protective layer on the surface of the zinc electrode.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This seems to be the case for one dachshund caught on camera barking at the ceiling, pacing the floor, and even jumping on the couch to get closer to a pipe above its head.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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While McIlroy missed the eventual attempt, Lowry did not, ramming in a winner and turning to the crowd, pounding his chest and barking back.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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