1
as in curse
a spoken word or set of words believed to have magic power
the witch cast a spell that turned the prince into a toad
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder
a dizzy spell that caused me to fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in while
an indefinite but usually short period of time
come rest a spell
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to possess
to cast a spell on
it was as if he had spelled the public into believing his ridiculous claims
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to mean
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind
that summertime combination of hot temperatures and equally hot tempers can spell trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 spell
Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2026
One of the dangers of the Midwestern climate is a late-winter warm spell that thaws the soil and tricks bulbs and other plants into sprouting too early.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2026
The last-quarter moon rising around midnight makes early evening the best time to see the Eta Aquarids (also spelled Eta Aquariids), which are caused by the debris from Halley's Comet left in the inner solar system, although the best views will be from the Southern Hemisphere.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spell
Noun
His most recent spell as manager was with Swiss Super League powerhouse BSC Young Boys from 2022-24.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2026
One of the dangers of the Midwestern climate is a late-winter warm spell that thaws the soil and tricks bulbs and other plants into sprouting too early.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
The condition is called homonymous hemianopia (sometimes spelled hemianopsia).
—New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2026
The last-quarter moon rising around midnight makes early evening the best time to see the Eta Aquarids (also spelled Eta Aquariids), which are caused by the debris from Halley's Comet left in the inner solar system, although the best views will be from the Southern Hemisphere.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell
Noun
-
In part, this is just a curse of timing for the tournaments being played.—
The Athletic Tennis Staff,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
-
In Jujutsu Kaisen, heroic jujutsu sorcerers wage war against demonic creatures called curses and the curse users, who wield jujutsu powers for evil.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
After a bout of severe weather and tornadoes crossed Oklahoma on Thursday, the Sooner State will likely see more cold and precipitation into the week ahead.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
McGlynn said Clifton's death was also caused by advanced Alzheimer’s disease, severe frailty, and a recent bout of pneumonia.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Demonstrate that Atlanta's transit system can hold its own while encouraging more people to give it a try.—
Kaley Fedko,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
According to the researchers, the dicyanamide anion in the electrolyte helps unlock S/SCl4 chemistry at the cathode while also improving the reversibility of sodium plating/stripping at the anode.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fetty pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine across state lines.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Myers pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count each of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute near a school and illegally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing Insulation is key in preventing frozen pipes, which means plumbing in areas like attics, exterior walls, outdoor pipes, and crawl spaces, will likely require extra insulation.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Borders mean less to me than people.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There’s a little bit of mystery with the spirits, incantations and rituals.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Aug. 2025
-
How to turn a human into a statistic, an alien, an enemy combatant–transformations worked not through incantation, but through the movement of paper in government offices.—
Celia Bell
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
Good's defenders – including city and state leaders – are calling what happened an unjustified attack; federal authorities say the agent was acting in self-defense.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
-
In Kyiv, a CNN reporter said that the attack began around midnight, starting with multiple drone strikes on residential buildings.—
Kosta Gak,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
David Bowie personally appears on the cover of 24 of his solo albums, depicting himself as a bowl-cut heartthrob, an androgynous blond, a space alien in human disguise, a cigarette-smoking lounge creature, a sideways pair of legs, and an oddly undersized boxer.—
Armin Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Whether commuting for work or running errands, Dana is a carryall with ample space for essentials (think phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses), along with a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, makeup, portable charger, lightweight jacket, snacks, and a notebook.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spell. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share