as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 2015 Iran nuclear deal was a long and granular instrument that spelled out, in detail, the limits on Iran’s nuclear program.
—
Hamidreza Azizi,
Time,
19 June 2026
The agreement spells out sanctions relief for Iran and calls for the creation of a $300 billion economic development fund.
—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
The agreement says the US will issue waivers allowing Iran to export oil and spells out provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, among other measures.
—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
After a day of legal maneuvers and thunderstorms, workers began the process in the early morning hours of removing the letters spelling out the Republican president’s name from the facade of the iconic performing arts venue.
—
Steven Sloan,
Fortune,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spell out
Hamidreza Azizi,
Time,
19 June 2026
The agreement spells out sanctions relief for Iran and calls for the creation of a $300 billion economic development fund.
—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
The agreement says the US will issue waivers allowing Iran to export oil and spells out provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, among other measures.
—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
After a day of legal maneuvers and thunderstorms, workers began the process in the early morning hours of removing the letters spelling out the Republican president’s name from the facade of the iconic performing arts venue.
—
Steven Sloan,
Fortune,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell out
Verb
-
Faith, hope drive Venezuelan community's response The day the earthquakes struck was a holiday in Venezuela, which may explain why many families were at home when the disaster occurred, while some children were visiting friends or relatives.
-
Maybe that explains her chaotic behavior when the crew goes out later that night.
Verb
-
The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed.
-
The design and materials of devices such as bone saws, fleams and scarifacators – used to bleed veins and skin surfaces – illustrate the close affinity of humans with other animals.
Verb
-
In addition to clarifying one claim, NYT also agreed to voluntarily dismiss two claims of contributory copyright infringement and trademark dilution against all defendants.
-
Rich Bornstein, founder of Bornstein Media, helps leaders clarify their story before the camera turns on.
Verb
-
Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.
-
The resulting bio-char demonstrated a heating value of 29 MJ/kg, meaning that burning 1 kg of the fuel will provide 29 MJ of thermal energy.
Cite this Entry
“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spell%20out. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
