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spell out

verb

Definition of spell outnext
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 spell out The grid spells out, anonymously, the rate expectations for the full 19 participants at the meeting, though Warsh withheld his dot for the June update. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 Use the language of the job description honestly, spell out key skills and focus on measurable outcomes. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026 Also pictured was a custom chain with Bronze’s name spelled out in diamonds. — Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026 According to a later report by Le Monde published today, the new court order also spells out why that argument in itself is an inherent contradiction. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell out
  1. explain
  2. illustrate
  3. clarify
  4. demonstrate
Verb
  • By comparison, strong fluid flows elongated the cells and caused DNA damage, a crucial control detail that explains why past experiments might have yielded misleading results.
    — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Rowe explained that someone buying a pair of running shoes often sends them back after wearing it for a day to try on the fit.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • The Kalshi and DraftKings cases illustrate how sports leagues face legal hurdles in trying to block gambling companies from using marks and logos in online offerings.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Documenting many varieties is a way to not just share the language, but to illustrate how dialects of Pennsylvania Dutch differ and maybe even fill in each other’s gaps.
    — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • Now Christian clarified that, in addition to being just beyond Staten Island, this island was in the Caribbean.
    — Anand Giridharadas, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Three executives developed a session charter and agenda, clarified the purpose and prepared key speaking points.
    — Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • The obvious next step would be to balance the look's short hemline with an equally classic pair of knee-high boots, just as Bella Hadid recently demonstrated on the streets of New York.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The Italian brand however, previously acknowledged the atelier’s contributions on social media and are bringing Chanakya artisans to an upcoming Harrods pop-up in London to demonstrate craft techniques.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of demonstrate

Browse Nearby Words

spelling out
spell out
spells
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Cite this Entry

“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spell%20out. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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