as in explaining
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 spelling out
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
And Pearl, while making his team’s case Thursday, unwittingly did a fine job of spelling out the ills of expansion as well.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Trump castigated the court for not spelling out what happens to the tens of billions of dollars the government has already collected.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
The job qualifications are typically lean, spelling out a handful of core expectations.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026
The timeline is worth spelling out.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
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
And Pearl, while making his team’s case Thursday, unwittingly did a fine job of spelling out the ills of expansion as well.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Trump castigated the court for not spelling out what happens to the tens of billions of dollars the government has already collected.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
The job qualifications are typically lean, spelling out a handful of core expectations.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026
The timeline is worth spelling out.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spelling out
Verb
-
Rock and dance music defenders alike have reached for their pitchforks, but Charli isn’t interested in debating or explaining the song to them.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
13 May 2026
-
The dramatic trailer opens with Ty introducing himself in a TikTok video and explaining why he was barricaded in his room.—
Janelle Griffith,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
European officials had welcomed Ukraine's unilateral move as a goodwill gesture illustrating its readiness for a peace settlement.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
-
Touching the Art also delves into erasure and gaslighting, illustrating the all-too-common silencing that occurs when a family member speaks up about violence or abuse.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In January, the FCC published guidelines clarifying how the equal time rule is enforced.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2026
-
Certain shampoos, like clarifying and non-moisturizing ones, are meant to be used once per week, while others can be used two to three times a week, depending on your hair and scalp.—
Aimee Simeon,
Glamour,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
According to Bette, the current cycle is demonstrating a similar pattern where demand is deferred rather than destroyed.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
Over the years, the awards have at once become a snapshot of the most important reporting on the free press while also demonstrating that press’ power; the country’s top journalism institutions are among those typically feted.—
THR Staff,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Spelling out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spelling%20out. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
