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 For the brands shelling out millions, this omnipresence might just be a costly misstep, diluting their message in a sea of celebrity sameness. — Shann Biglione, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 People also shelled out for sleep sprays and mists (with orders up by a whopping 632%) to prepare for a deeper reset. — Vidhi Choudhary, Fortune, 7 July 2026 That doesn’t necessarily require shelling out even more money. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 According to Bryan-Podvin, parents should wait to make sure kids stick with their extracurriculars before shelling out a small fortune. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 6 July 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

Lucas said each year the City Council allocates more than 25% of its annual operating revenue to fund the Police Department, yet the agency struggles each year with paying legal settlements.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
But if your paperwork is approved and your interview is completed, and your fees are paid, congratulations!

— Josie Fischels, NPR, 14 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of shell out

verb

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