SHELLS Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

shells 1 of 2

noun

plural of shell

as in sheaths

something that encloses another thing especially to protect it eating oysters straight out of their shells

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in structures

the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form workers at the shipyard have thus far erected the shell of the ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in exteriors

an outer part or layer the shell of the building is all glass, making it conspicuous on a street with mostly limestone facades

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shells

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of shell

as in peels

to remove the natural covering of shelling peanuts

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as in bombs

to use bombs or artillery against the enemy shelled the city for days without letup

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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 shells

Noun

The idea of recycling lobster, crab, or shrimp shells isn’t exactly new. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026 Beaten about alone in that water, the shells would have killed me. — Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026 This was complemented by crochet, fringing, shells and pearls. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 The models ran agents that had access to common exploitation tools, like reverse shells. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026 For example, the United States bought 155-millimeter artillery shells from South Korea and PAC-3 interceptors from Japan to backfill American munitions for Ukraine. — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026 Beaded necklaces were also particularly prominent, with long, colorful, mixed-bead styles incorporating shells, coral and turquoise. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Some companies sell modest shells that buyers finish themselves; others engineer custom shelters into private estates, with independent power, water, air filtration, medical space and, at the highest end, elaborate amenities. — Megan Buerger, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 This type of aquaculture also has a low carbon footprint and the shells function as a form of carbon capture, according to a 2020 paper by the scientific journal Nature Food. — Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Verb

During the drive, a tank shells the car, killing most of the occupants. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shells

Noun

In a slow cooker, shrimp become bouncy and rubbery, and fish flakes apart into dry sheaths of overcooked flesh.

— Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 6 Sep. 2026
The research team says future versions may use adjustable sheaths or elastic materials to fit a wider range of bodies.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of sheaths

Noun

For the regional stage, meaning the cancer has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is 40%.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Vibrations merge into rhythm The experimental material combines elastic structures, sensors, electronics and actuators.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of structures

Noun

Prime Day Outdoor Deals Making your exteriors feel like an extension of your interior design is more than achievable with Amazon Prime Day’s leftover deals on patio furniture and decor.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
On exteriors, French Press Coffee brings a classic architectural quality to front doors, while functioning as an elevated alternative to black on shutters, garages, and trim.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of exteriors

Verb

The crust of the tangible world peels away, and hidden spiritual and moral realities become prominent and unmistakable.

— Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
Across the conference table, Sosanya plays Beatrice like steel swaddled in cashmere, while Miles Jupp, as her colleague David, peels away his genteel snobbery to reveal an unexpectedly dorky underbelly.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of peels

Noun

Crime scene investigators found seven shell casings on the ground after the shooting, but so far no arrests have been made.

— Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
According to court documents, Poindexter’s DNA was identified on shell casings found near the shooting.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of casings

Noun

The bottom of the walls was damaged; these surfaces are not smooth and easily cleanable.

— NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
But a Columbia University research team has found that when water molecules come into contact with plastic surfaces, a key chemical reaction does in fact take place.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026