as in explains
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 spells out
The Trent Windsurfing Club near Nottingham, England, which communicates with members using both WhatsApp and email, spells out other considerations in a 15-point list on its website.
—
ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026
The order spells out the exact amount of money that each of the 106 women are owed.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Xi spells out yuan reserve currency goal China’s leader called for the yuan to become a global reserve currency, part of Beijing’s efforts to play a larger role in international financial systems.
—semafor.com, 3 Feb. 2026
City Council President Linda Barnes-Caldwell, D-5th, authored the ordinance, expected to be approved Tuesday, that spells out the funding framework for the project.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
An extreme cold watch in Iowa spells out the dangerous conditions for the days ahead.
—Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 21 Jan. 2026
An episode featuring Brody’s real-life wife Leighton Meester tries to fill in some backstory blanks, as does an episode that spells out how Joanne’s parents’ divorce impacted her.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Texas law spells out when the state can step in if a school district struggles for too long to meet academic or leadership standards.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2025
The mammoth defense bill spells out Pentagon policy in the months and years ahead.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026
The order spells out the exact amount of money that each of the 106 women are owed.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Xi spells out yuan reserve currency goal China’s leader called for the yuan to become a global reserve currency, part of Beijing’s efforts to play a larger role in international financial systems.
—semafor.com, 3 Feb. 2026
City Council President Linda Barnes-Caldwell, D-5th, authored the ordinance, expected to be approved Tuesday, that spells out the funding framework for the project.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
An extreme cold watch in Iowa spells out the dangerous conditions for the days ahead.
—Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 21 Jan. 2026
An episode featuring Brody’s real-life wife Leighton Meester tries to fill in some backstory blanks, as does an episode that spells out how Joanne’s parents’ divorce impacted her.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Texas law spells out when the state can step in if a school district struggles for too long to meet academic or leadership standards.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2025
The mammoth defense bill spells out Pentagon policy in the months and years ahead.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spells out
Verb
-
But they were chosen as the targets for the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) to assess our planetary defense capabilities, Makadia explains.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
6 Mar. 2026
-
In the first episode, the peacemaking mission between Josh and Seth, in rural Montana, completely falls apart, and the mediator—who explains that this is his first official mediation—mostly just stands there as the neighbors trade insults and issue threats.—
Tyler Foggatt,
New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The apparent corner-cutting illustrates how top brass at Florida’s flagship law school relaxed longstanding safeguards to fast-track the state’s top legal official into its classrooms — even as Republican leaders in Tallahassee demand greater transparency and oversight of university instruction.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
-
After receiving permission from the government, Brevard County Public Works removed 10,000 pounds of concrete — a volume that illustrates how deeply trapped the manatee was within the infrastructure.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
According to the mayor, the executive order clarifies existing policies related to federal immigration enforcement efforts, details proactive steps that are being taken to protect residents, and outlines the authority of the Baltimore Police Department.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The dual-pronged approach clarifies exemptions for destruction and sets a standardized reporting format to reduce administrative burdens on companies while boosting transparency across all member states.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Company leadership emphasizes that achieving positive operating cash flow less than two years after going public demonstrates the viability of the business model and positions TMTG for future revenue growth and long-term shareholder value creation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
-
As a dedicated online learner, Fajardo Perdomo consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of responsibility and a profound commitment to her academic growth.—
Darla Rivera,
Oklahoman,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spells out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spells%20out. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
