as in explaining
to make plain or understandable
the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
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Recent Examples of spelling out
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
Leaning minimal, opt for simple cursive lettering spelling out the best city in the world.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 June 2026
In February, the administration finalized a rule creating this new category of at-will employees called Schedule Policy/Career, and on Wednesday, the president issued an executive order spelling out which existing civil service positions would be transitioned.
—Megan Molteni, STAT, 5 June 2026
Per usual with movies like this, spelling out the terror (the roots are in hobo codes and religious legend) becomes, regrettably, a shock absorber, not a facilitator.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Visitors would enter past letters spelling out N-A-T-E-L-A-N-D and pass through a six-story indoor mall spilling onto pathways leading to the other three lands.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 May 2026
His mistakes have included depriving vulnerable older people of a benefit to heat their homes; raising payroll taxes on employers, while simultaneously asking them to hire more young people; and seeking a new relationship with the European Union, but never spelling out what that means.
—Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Specifically, carapaces spelling out 8647, which is either shell-speak for evil intent or a bartender telling Patel to 86 his personal booze and buy a drink already.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
The theme paid homage to the popular video game, and the party featured giant video screens where partygoers could try their hand at being the last one standing, as well as a light-up dance floor, custom apparel and a giant sign spelling out Mason's name.
—Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
Steven Sloan, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Leaning minimal, opt for simple cursive lettering spelling out the best city in the world.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 June 2026
In February, the administration finalized a rule creating this new category of at-will employees called Schedule Policy/Career, and on Wednesday, the president issued an executive order spelling out which existing civil service positions would be transitioned.
—Megan Molteni, STAT, 5 June 2026
Per usual with movies like this, spelling out the terror (the roots are in hobo codes and religious legend) becomes, regrettably, a shock absorber, not a facilitator.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Visitors would enter past letters spelling out N-A-T-E-L-A-N-D and pass through a six-story indoor mall spilling onto pathways leading to the other three lands.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 May 2026
His mistakes have included depriving vulnerable older people of a benefit to heat their homes; raising payroll taxes on employers, while simultaneously asking them to hire more young people; and seeking a new relationship with the European Union, but never spelling out what that means.
—Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Specifically, carapaces spelling out 8647, which is either shell-speak for evil intent or a bartender telling Patel to 86 his personal booze and buy a drink already.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
The theme paid homage to the popular video game, and the party featured giant video screens where partygoers could try their hand at being the last one standing, as well as a light-up dance floor, custom apparel and a giant sign spelling out Mason's name.
—Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spelling out
Verb
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Elena witnessed the argument and tried explaining to Moshe their concerns about previous squatters in the building.—
Olivia Bensimon,
Curbed,
17 June 2026
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In November, Rashada posted a tutorial video to his Instagram account explaining the claims-buying process, which led to a flood of referrals over next several months.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Much like the Snicko technology used in cricket, broadcasters could even show a graphic illustrating the precise moment that Isak had flicked the ball on.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
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According to the team, the system generated enough formic acid to power a miniature diorama displayed at the pavilion, illustrating how an efficient artificial photosynthesis system could one day produce and store clean energy for use in household applications.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, on June 11, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement clarifying that Mexican authorities had not contacted them about the tip or the search efforts.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
12 June 2026
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The former couple issued a joint statement to Us Weekly, clarifying that the clip is not representative of their five-year relationship.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Through it all, Sirianni has been adaptable, demonstrating a willingness to make big changes on the fly.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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The humanities will survive not by defending an imagined past of disinterested purity, but by demonstrating their necessity in a fractured republic.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Verb
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For getting up the hill and getting across the flatter sections.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
7 Jan. 2026
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The issue has been discussed within Congress for years and has received bipartisan support, but obstacles have repeatedly stopped the effort from getting across the finish line.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
11 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spelling out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spelling%20out. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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