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
Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Helly Hansen’s proprietary three-layer shell proved positively impenetrable over a season of testing, including several spring snowstorms while ski-touring.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 26 June 2025
Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Saturday’s loss also saw Ryan Yarbrough shelled for the first time since the swingman entered the Yankees’ rotation.
—Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell
Noun
Feel free to collect any empty shells or dead sand dollars, though.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Helly Hansen’s proprietary three-layer shell proved positively impenetrable over a season of testing, including several spring snowstorms while ski-touring.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 26 June 2025
Verb
The blocks of stone may also have limited damage caused by shelling during Israel’s War of Independence in 1948 and the fighting in the Six Day War of 1967.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Saturday’s loss also saw Ryan Yarbrough shelled for the first time since the swingman entered the Yankees’ rotation.
—Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell
Noun
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He was arrested in December 2022 in Pennsylvania after forensic evidence linked him to the murders, including DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene and cellphone data placing him near the victims' home multiple times. Jan. 4, 2023 Kohberger was extradited to Idaho on Jan. 4, 2023.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2025
-
Their evidence would have included DNA evidence that linked him to a knife sheath found at the crime scene.—
July 2,
CBS News,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Recruitment: Writing job descriptions can be an arduous task, but by creating a first draft with AI, HR leaders can focus on more strategic tasks, such as maximizing the company’s organizational structure to best support teams.—
Julie Hoagland,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Services will be available through a simple fee structure.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Often considered to be the first truly American style of architecture, Prairie homes typically have a low-slung, cantilevered roof; rows of windows; a brick or stucco exterior; and a large central fireplace.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
7 July 2025
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Made with a trendy, puffy exterior, this spacious tote comes with a padded laptop sleeve, a discreet zippered side pocket (perfect for stashing your passport), and an expandable zippered bottom that can add 3.5 additional inches of storage space.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Citrus peels, coffee grounds, pine needles, and other organic matter are compostable but may cause issues when introduced in large amounts.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
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To prepare the salad: Separate the broccoli florets and then peel away the woody exterior of the stalks and cut into ¼-inch pieces.—
Beth Dooley,
Boston Herald,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Trump said military pilots who successfully bombed Iran will be guests for a flyover of military planes during the patriotic ceremony.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
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The Twelve-Day War between Israel and Iran in June concluded shortly after the United States intervened by bombing Iranian nuclear sites with 30,000-pound bunker busters dropped by strategic B-2 Spirit stealth bombers.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
The sturdy metal casing and long battery life make this configuration ideal for working on the go, so have a laptop bag handy.—
Jade Chung-Lee,
PC Magazine,
25 June 2025
-
Police found ten bullet casings on the scene, and security video showed a white BMW SUV leaving after the shooting.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
Noun
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On iOS, attackers deliver the malware through fake software frameworks or enterprise provisioning profiles, often disguised as legitimate components.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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Robust data governance frameworks, phased roll‑outs and ongoing education programs are all key strategies to help mitigate these challenges.—
Dr. Taha Kass-Hout,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to keep this area uplifted, as something too soft causes the lower back to sink in.—
Julia Forbes,
Wired News,
27 June 2025
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But beneath the surface, this is a deliberate shift.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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