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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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
But the Broncos just shelled out a massive extension for Zach Allen that’ll increase in cap figure for the next four years, and are now likely tasked with paying OLB Nik Bonitto upwards of $30 million a year.
—
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
Powe still comes by once a week to drop off snacks for kids in the hotel — chips, cookies, jerky, fruit snacks, Little Debbie’s, whatever is on sale — shelling out about $100 or more of her own money every week doing so.
—Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025
Nvidia designs chips used for the latest generative AI technology, and Big Tech hyperscalers are shelling out billions to buy them.
—Julie Coleman, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025
Despite extra caution, parents are still shelling out for the new school year.
—Emily Lorsch, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell out
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
Powe still comes by once a week to drop off snacks for kids in the hotel — chips, cookies, jerky, fruit snacks, Little Debbie’s, whatever is on sale — shelling out about $100 or more of her own money every week doing so.
—Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025
Nvidia designs chips used for the latest generative AI technology, and Big Tech hyperscalers are shelling out billions to buy them.
—Julie Coleman, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025
Despite extra caution, parents are still shelling out for the new school year.
—Emily Lorsch, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell out
Verb
-
More on that decision and a list of other schools that have decided to spend cash on volleyball here.—
Payton Titus,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Tony didn’t find out about their daughter until after Ziva’s death, then father and daughter spent several years together before Ziva revealed the truth.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
There are also fears that doctors in these practices may focus too much on keeping paying patients happy, rather than providing the best disease management or medical care, researchers said.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The jump in community college enrollment shows that more people feel this type of education sets them up to find a well-paying job without going into heavy debt, officials at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College said.—
Bebe Hodges,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Outside Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital, white plastic body bags with corpses were laid out on the street.—
Emily Rose,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The 18-hole championship golf course laid out by renowned architect David McLay-Kidd of DMK Golf Designs showcases views of the magnificent Big Hole Mountains and the Tetons.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell%20out. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share