as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spell out
The medical examiner’s role, spelled out in Florida statute, requires the dead be identified, injuries and wounds be documented and cause and manner of death be determined.
—
Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
The heel also includes a unique detail in its branding, which is expected to spell out Jordan’s number, 23, in Roman numerals across the left and right shoes.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
Leaning minimal, opt for simple cursive lettering spelling out the best city in the world.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 June 2026
But their accounts echoed one other’s — and spelled out Gombert’s MO.
—Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spell out
Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
The heel also includes a unique detail in its branding, which is expected to spell out Jordan’s number, 23, in Roman numerals across the left and right shoes.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
Leaning minimal, opt for simple cursive lettering spelling out the best city in the world.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 June 2026
But their accounts echoed one other’s — and spelled out Gombert’s MO.
—Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell out
Verb
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Thune has repeatedly explained that the bill, which Democrats and a handful of Republicans oppose, does not have the votes to pass in the Senate.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
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The Logan star also explains how the strenuousness of the fight scenes doubled as an artistic choice.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Woods illustrates Sylvia’s sorrow through flashbacks to her daughter, Nadia (Olivia Edward as a teenager, Emma Farnell-Watson as an adult), who was a ballet dancer.—
Natalia Winkelman,
Variety,
16 June 2026
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Govia said the attack seems to illustrate an underlying issue in society right now.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Weeks later, Roach amended the order to clarify that cellphones would be prohibited in the courtroom.—
Matthew Davisson,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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If feedback stings, breathe, then ask one clarifying question so everyone understands your intent.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Platner may be demonstrating it on the left.—
Matthew Shelter,
New York Daily News,
13 June 2026
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Beyond laboratory measurements, the researchers demonstrated practical operation by powering a small LED lamp and charging a smartphone.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spell%20out. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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