spelling out

verb

present participle of spell out
as in explaining
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 spelling 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 The two sides still have to finalize agreements spelling out the services that will be provided at each venue by July 2027. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 Coupal initially stood his ground, but later issued a letter spelling out terms for the eventual agreement. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spelling out
  1. explaining
  2. illustrating
  3. clarifying
  4. demonstrating
  5. getting across
Verb
  • Try explaining to the average Chicago taxpayer that the city is reacquiring its meters but very little will change on the streets.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • John Buse of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill took his place, explaining the situation to attendees in remarks critical of the ADA’s actions.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Definition of explaining
Verb
  • That said, Nolan does an amazing job at illustrating just how crucial time factored into this battle.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
  • Oil threatens to spoil the market rally … again The Iran war returned to Wall Street's doorstep last week, illustrating the fragility of the interim peace agreement between Washington and Tehran.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of illustrating
Verb
  • For an oily scalp, more frequent washing may be necessary, or clarifying shampoos may be useful.
    — Sherri Gordon, Health, 13 July 2026
  • Minutes later royal sources counter-briefed, clarifying that Harry had not formally accepted the invite in time, and that the offer had since been withdrawn.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 8 July 2026
Definition of clarifying
Verb
  • But the same questions came up after the Super Bowl and Kalshi quickly bounced back and continued to grow — even before the World Cup began — demonstrating the benefit of having such a wide array of events to bet on.
    — Nathaniel Popper, Fortune, 19 July 2026
  • These shocks would have pushed almost any country into a severe crisis, and that’s exactly what happened, demonstrating to the world how sanctions really could destroy an economy.
    — Mark Weisbrot, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026
Definition of demonstrating
Verb
  • 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
Definition of getting across

Browse Nearby Words

spelling
spelling out
spell out
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Cite this Entry

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

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