as in spending
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 shelling out
That would be one of the biggest buyouts in the history of college football behind Texas A&M shelling out $77 million to Jimbo Fisher in 2023.
—
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
As its software spills into more areas of online life, OpenAI is shelling out billions to become a leading player in the physical infrastructure for the AI future.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Four-plus years later, the Nationals stood MLB on its head again, shelling out $210 million over seven years for Max Scherzer in early 2015.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The news raised questions over the significant sums that American tech companies are shelling out on AI.
—Ashley Capoot,samantha Subin, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Both of these should be included when shelling out that kind of cash, in my opinion.
—New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2025
On average, families are now shelling out $774 per child for back-to-school gear — marking a 10% rise from last year’s spending.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 15 Sep. 2025
On average, families are now shelling out $774 per child for back-to-school gear — marking a 10% rise from last year’s spending.
—Erin Jones, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
And is anyone shelling out upwards of $100 for the ride?
—Carolina Abbott Galvão, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2025
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
As its software spills into more areas of online life, OpenAI is shelling out billions to become a leading player in the physical infrastructure for the AI future.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Four-plus years later, the Nationals stood MLB on its head again, shelling out $210 million over seven years for Max Scherzer in early 2015.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The news raised questions over the significant sums that American tech companies are shelling out on AI.
—Ashley Capoot,samantha Subin, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Both of these should be included when shelling out that kind of cash, in my opinion.
—New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2025
On average, families are now shelling out $774 per child for back-to-school gear — marking a 10% rise from last year’s spending.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 15 Sep. 2025
On average, families are now shelling out $774 per child for back-to-school gear — marking a 10% rise from last year’s spending.
—Erin Jones, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
And is anyone shelling out upwards of $100 for the ride?
—Carolina Abbott Galvão, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shelling out
Verb
-
According to recent travel industry data, Black Americans are among the fastest-growing demographics in luxury travel, spending billions annually on experiences that center wellness, culture, and community.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
18 Oct. 2025
-
This cap would punish districts like ours for spending responsibly.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Duran had bigger concerns than who might be paying a local blogger.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Tariffs are also part of the reason Americans are paying more at repair shops — auto parts are primarily imported and now subject to tariffs of 25%.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The three-bedroom model is currently priced lower than the two-bedroom version on Amazon—essentially giving you an extra room for free.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Thanks for giving this beautiful baby a home!—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shelling out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shelling%20out. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share