1
as in incantations
a spoken word or set of words believed to have magic power
the witch cast a spell that turned the prince into a toad
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in bouts
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder
a dizzy spell that caused me to fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in whiles
an indefinite but usually short period of time
come rest a spell
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in possesses
to cast a spell on
it was as if he had spelled the public into believing his ridiculous claims
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in means
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind
that summertime combination of hot temperatures and equally hot tempers can spell trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of spells
Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 June 2026
At the same time, severe OCD, intrusive thoughts and uncontrollable crying spells took a major toll on Cust’s mental health.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
How many spells were cast, how many virgins were sacrificed, how many first-borns were murdered so that this could happen?
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 May 2026
His coaching career included spells with Lille — where he was named coach of the season — and PSG, before taking charge of Ivory Coast, Algeria, Japan and Morocco.
—ABC News, 17 May 2026
There was no hot water for several spells last winter.
—Anne Kadet, Curbed, 15 May 2026
Collins came up through the tech world, via spells at firms including Deliveroo.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 14 May 2026
These abilities range from simple attack speed buffs through to complex spells such as the Titanic flying into the battlefield and exploding.
—Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 27 May 2026
And this spells trouble for parts of the fast casual industry.
—Penny Kmitt, CBS News, 27 May 2026
His presence on the roster spells trouble for Patrick Bailey, the two-time reigning NL Gold Glove winner whose highly meager offensive contributions are becoming less tolerable in a struggling lineup of out-makers.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 4 May 2026
And the chart spells it out, admittedly in very tiny print.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
The British government spells it out in guidance for staff working with classified documents.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
The timing of Tim Cook’s departure from Apple spells good things for the company’s fiscal second-quarter earnings report, set to be released on April 30, Wall Street analysts are buzzing.
—Tobias Burns, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
Not everyone thinks this spells disaster, however.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. 2026
While the coffee chat isn’t new, Kessler said the return to meeting people and showing other signals spells the cover letter’s inevitable end.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
Gabriel came straight into the first team in 2020, but Saliba had to wait, with three loan spells back to France after arriving from Saint-Etienne in 2019.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 June 2026
At the same time, severe OCD, intrusive thoughts and uncontrollable crying spells took a major toll on Cust’s mental health.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
How many spells were cast, how many virgins were sacrificed, how many first-borns were murdered so that this could happen?
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 May 2026
His coaching career included spells with Lille — where he was named coach of the season — and PSG, before taking charge of Ivory Coast, Algeria, Japan and Morocco.
—ABC News, 17 May 2026
There was no hot water for several spells last winter.
—Anne Kadet, Curbed, 15 May 2026
Collins came up through the tech world, via spells at firms including Deliveroo.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 14 May 2026
These abilities range from simple attack speed buffs through to complex spells such as the Titanic flying into the battlefield and exploding.
—Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
The L'Oca d'Oro website spells that out, too.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 27 May 2026
And this spells trouble for parts of the fast casual industry.
—Penny Kmitt, CBS News, 27 May 2026
His presence on the roster spells trouble for Patrick Bailey, the two-time reigning NL Gold Glove winner whose highly meager offensive contributions are becoming less tolerable in a struggling lineup of out-makers.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 4 May 2026
And the chart spells it out, admittedly in very tiny print.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
The British government spells it out in guidance for staff working with classified documents.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
The timing of Tim Cook’s departure from Apple spells good things for the company’s fiscal second-quarter earnings report, set to be released on April 30, Wall Street analysts are buzzing.
—Tobias Burns, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
Not everyone thinks this spells disaster, however.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. 2026
While the coffee chat isn’t new, Kessler said the return to meeting people and showing other signals spells the cover letter’s inevitable end.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spells
Noun
-
As prospective farmers struggled to clear forests for rice fields in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Malaya, their efforts might have been accompanied by mystical incantations like this invocation against Iblis, the Devil in Islamic tradition.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Where ancient midwives had summoned divine assistance by uttering incantations, medieval maternity caregivers called upon saintly mothers by reciting rhythmical charms.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The United States and Iran traded strikes overnight in one of the most intense bouts of conflict since the increasingly tenuous ceasefire between the two countries began in April.—
Victoria Craw,
Washington Post,
3 June 2026
-
Breaking activity into shorter bouts throughout the day (for example, three 10-minute walks instead of one 30-minute walk) may be more manageable for people with busy schedules but just as beneficial.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
UCHealth’s decision to postpone surgeries whiles staff addressed the sterilization problem stands out from other hospitals that have found themselves in similar situations.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But if everyone possesses the same technological advantage, technical proficiency alone will no longer distinguish students.—
Marybeth Gasman,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
FNPPs leverage shipyard capacity and regulatory expertise, with approximately 75% of total value added associated with the Balance of Plant—areas where the Greek maritime-industrial base already possesses relevant capabilities.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Cherfilus-McCormick also called on the Democratic Party and allies to speak up about what Wasserman Schultz’s presence in the race means regarding Black political representation.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2026
-
At Miraval Berkshires, guests are immersed in an intimate, nature-rich setting that invites connection, whether that means getting to know others, engaging with our expert specialists, exploring team challenges, or participating in ceremonies grounded in traditional wisdom.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
As a result, the threat of hijra curses is greatly feared.—
Charles Preston,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
28 May 2026
-
All visitors who paid for entry were told that only kind words would be tolerated, and any hurtful words or curses would result in immediate expulsion from the tent.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Each one would need to stock more interceptors and operate with escort ships to fend off attacks.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
-
Simple steps like version pinning or requiring a cool-down period before new library releases are available to developers can go a very long way toward blunting the supply chain attacks that are about to become far more common.—
Philip Martin,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Now, though, scientists have discovered bits of tissue removed from a species of sea cucumber called Psolus fabricii can keep on living indefinitely if they’re left in ordinary seawater.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
-
Just non-stop dribbles, counter-attacks, through balls, amazing finishes… all of football’s good bits.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spells. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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