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 motion was denied, and in the early hours of June 13, the center removed the letters spelling out the president’s name. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026 The doctor has a right to contest these before a health law judge or the commission issues a final order spelling out any disciplinary action or dropping the case. — Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 8 July 2026 Ben mentioned before the risk factors that are spelled out in the SpaceX IPO, right? — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 Adding to the authenticity, grittiness and realness of The Guest is the fact that some of the past between the characters gets hinted at but not always spelled out. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell out
  1. explain
  2. illustrate
  3. clarify
  4. demonstrate
Verb
  • But Antonelli’s ease with the new cars and Russell’s discomfort with having to adopt a radically new driving style can’t explain the half-second gap between the pair in qualifying.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 20 July 2026
  • When pressed repeatedly by a Fox News cohost for specifics on the operation, Homan explained that disclosing that type of information could risk officer safety and prompt criminals to flee.
    — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Still, as the season’s profits illustrate, carefully picking home run props can leave bettors in the black.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • For Peverill Squire, a retired University of Missouri political science professor, those conflicting arguments illustrate the idea that the preferred outcome of a modern political campaign is more important than being ideologically consistent.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • Mars drives your 10th House of Career forward, while Saturn in your 8th House of Shared Resources clarifies obligations, approvals, and support.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
  • The bill also clarifies that only those powered by liquid fuel, such as gasoline, require a muffler.
    — Madison Smalstig July 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • Both incidents demonstrated teamwork; one orca held a sharptail sunfish, scientifically named Masturus lanceolatus, by its tail, while another orca swam toward the fish at high speed.
    — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo will decide whether the prosecution offered enough evidence to demonstrate probable cause to proceed to trial.
    — Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026
Definition of demonstrate

Browse Nearby Words

spelling out
spell out
spells
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spell%20out. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spell out

Nglish: Translation of spell out for Spanish Speakers

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