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

Most Before shelling out for wellness routines or optimization hacks, Norton recommended focusing on the foundational components of health—nutrition, fitness, and emotional well-being—and staying consistent with your habits. — Jamie Wolff, HEALTH, 30 Oct. 2026

Directly marketing toward younger and younger clientele, fertility clinics compel women to shell out tens of thousands of dollars to proactively preserve their fertility. — Pooja Yerramilli, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026

Those with children under 18 expect to shell out an average of $269 on Halloween this year, compared with $162 across all groups, per LendingTree. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026

Galleries dug deep to participate in these events, collectively shelling out some £315 million ($419 million) in 2025. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 28 Oct. 2026