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 Depending on the situation, Texas law may give you options or spell out what’s allowed. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026 These standards include safety guidelines, spell out who is eligible for Head Start and provide detailed rules — such as the requirement that kids in the program brush their teeth once daily with fluoride toothpaste. — Sequoia Carrillo, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026 The filing doesn’t name the bank or spell out the loan’s terms. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 There are special allowances for vehicles at least 100 years old, believe it or not, but as this AutoWeek explainer from 2024 spells out, good luck trying to ship a ’60s Mustang across the world to drive it on their streets. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell out
  1. explain
  2. illustrate
  3. clarify
  4. demonstrate
Verb
  • Neither the governor's office nor Wilson's office has explained why those two sections were left out between the May draft and the final trailer bill.
    — Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Here, The Athletic explains the latest situation in terms of both outgoings and incomings at St James’ Park.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Something extraordinary these episodes illustrate, in our view, is the vulnerability of America’s highly interconnected fresh-food supply chain, in which one grower or supplier problem can ripple astonishingly far.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • One of Schore's simplest techniques illustrates how quickly emotional reactions can redirect attention.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • Open Doors helped clarify a lot of things, so the next step is to sit with that and push the project into a solid draft.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2026
  • District leaders used them to rethink instruction, align classroom practice with system supports, build capacity among school supervisors and principals, and clarify what students should know and be able to do.
    — Michael Casserly, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • Shipping traffic remains severely restricted, demonstrating that many shipowners are not willing to risk a possible Iranian attack and underscoring Tehran’s ongoing leverage over Hormuz.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Government agencies should be expected to demonstrate the same commitment to competence, transparency, and adherence to the law.
    — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spell out

Nglish: Translation of spell out for Spanish Speakers

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