SHELL OUT Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

shell out

verb

Definition of shell out

as in to spend

to hand over or use up in payment we shelled out an obscene amount of money for those concert tickets

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of shell out The Kansas City tight end shelled out about $1 million on a 10-carat old mine brilliant cut diamond on a gold band, designed by Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry. — Freya Drohan, InStyle, 30 June 2026 For the elderly voters with mobility issues who now are required to register in-person, the working-class parent who has to shell out $165 for a passport or the rural voter who must drive multiple towns over to provide proof of citizenship — this bill impacts them. — Dick Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 Los Angeles will shell out $120,000 for outside lawyers to fight a lawsuit filed by Councilmember John Lee challenging an ethics fine. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 However, that push then prompted groups linked to Anthropic as well as crypto billionaire Chris Laren to shell out millions in support of Bores. — Elena Moore, NPR, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shell out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell out

Verb

However, Morehouse, who has spent more than a decade campaigning for the return of American children abducted to Japan, doubts the amendment to Japan’s Civil Code will bring significant change.

— Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Berman, who spent 13 years as the NHL’s deputy general counsel and VP of community development, helped the league provide a grant for that program.

— PJ Green July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026

Definition of spend

Verb

While Walmart isn’t an official sponsor of the World Cup, either, taking advantage of the social media chatter helps the company glom onto the tournament without paying FIFA for the privilege – especially when attention spans are divided.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Cruise ship pay varies widely by job, but free housing, meals and other perks can significantly boost overall compensation.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of pay

Verb

Over the last year, the Labor Department has filed amicus briefs — friend-of-the-court filings that lay out legal arguments for judges — in several class-action lawsuits on the side of the defendant company.

— Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 8 July 2026
Three separate federal indictments unsealed Tuesday lay out alleged crimes across California, including kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of lay out

Browse Nearby Words

shelling out

shell out

shells

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“Shell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell%20out. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of shell out

verb

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