Synonyms of shell out

shell out

verb

as in to spend

to hand over or use up in payment

we shelled out an obscene amount of money for those concert tickets

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spend
• pay
• lay out
• give
• fork (over, out, or up)
• expend
• disburse
• outlay
• drop
• run through
• throw away
• rain
• lavish
• waste
• fritter (away)
• blow
• dissipate
• squander

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• save
• lay up
• make
• realize
• secure
• win
• acquire
• gain
• cache
• hoard
• earn
• procure
• garner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shell out

Some real-estate experts contend, however, that institutions shelling out millions to underwrite a property are already dead set on recouping their investments. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

In fact, Burj Al Babas was planned as a luxurious, stately urban development offering the look of royal living for anyone willing to shell out anywhere from $370,000 to $500,000 for their own little palace. — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026

Now, with less than a month to go before the August 4th primary, AIPAC has already shelled out nearly five times that amount in pro-Stevens and anti-El-Sayed ads. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Teams are more reluctant to shell out money for a massive contract under the league’s new financial reality. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 9 July 2026