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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 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 That protocol, however, has not been spelled out in the NCAA’s Instant Replay Case Book. — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 West Virginia's social studies standards require instruction about 9/11 and its aftermath in sixth grade, eighth grade and high school, with particulars spelled out at each level. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026 Before your next accent-wall paint job or floating shelf, send an email (not a text) spelling out the change, the reversal plan and who pays for restoration. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 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
  • The woman who had compiled the Handy Hints book helpfully explained these technical details to Flynn, whispering in his ear like someone translating a foreign language.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of explaining why something happened after the fact, the organization helps the customer stay ahead of it.
    — Suresh Rajapakse, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Created by Violet Matter and illustrated by sh00, Roususu and Drawniels, The Mafia Nanny webcomic has amassed 420 million global views.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The project also illustrates the engineering demands that accompany the transition to a new bomber fleet.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • School president Wade Rousse issued a measured statement Friday morning and voted to clarify and enforce the SEC rule against signing former pro players.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Before the conversation becomes a contest of wills, clarify what each person wants and which decision needs to be made now.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • Pantone grouped 20 of the new shades into four trend palettes demonstrating how its forecast for bolder color can take several markedly different forms.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Shoppable fashion streams collapse that discovery-to-purchase journey into a single experience, letting viewers watch a product get demonstrated and buy it without leaving the stream.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 16 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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