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
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
Doha, Qatar — In a message marking 30 days since the start of the Iran war, a senior Iranian official is spelling out what many ordinary people across the tense Gulf, and beyond, privately fear will be Washington’s next move.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Patrons of The Rockhill Grille in the Crossroads may have noticed a door adjacent to the restaurant, with gold lettering spelling out the bar’s name.
—Jenna Thompson
march 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
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
Doha, Qatar — In a message marking 30 days since the start of the Iran war, a senior Iranian official is spelling out what many ordinary people across the tense Gulf, and beyond, privately fear will be Washington’s next move.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Patrons of The Rockhill Grille in the Crossroads may have noticed a door adjacent to the restaurant, with gold lettering spelling out the bar’s name.
—Jenna Thompson
march 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spelling out
Verb
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Alsace spent centuries moving between French and German rule — explaining why this indisputably French cake so closely resembles similar treats from across the Germanic world.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
-
In explaining his vote to deny the batch plant, Flores cited its proximity to homes and Esperanza Elementary School.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
The second prototype was a wearable bracelet that changed color by circulating fluid through adaptive materials, illustrating how the technology could be used in smart clothing or responsive displays that alter their appearance on demand.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 June 2026
-
Melliti’s performance is one of silent suffering, illustrating Fatima’s deference to her family.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Also within 60 days, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau must consider clarifying that potential deportation or loss of wages may be relevant factors when evaluating a borrower’s ability to repay.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
Perez, however, has avoided clarifying the situation in public appearances in recent weeks.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
Verb
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After receiving a firing order, the vehicles maneuvered into position and launched their rockets with bright flashes within three minutes, demonstrating their mobility.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
Those films revolutionized the way that Hollywood does business — demonstrating that movies could sell T-shirts and toys as well as tickets.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
9 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
-
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 14 Jun. 2026.
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