spells out

verb

present tense third-person singular of spell out
as in explains
to make plain or understandable the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 settlement includes a consent decree that spells out a schedule of 30-plus theatrical releases per year as well as separate negotiations for the Paramount and Warner Bros. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 Staring down an assembly of the outraged, Digger spells out the ruthless logic of global capitalism and claims the world’s fuel dependency as the ultimate vindication. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 The suit spells out how and when that’s alleged to have occurred. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026 The grid spells out, anonymously, the rate expectations for the full 19 participants at the meeting, though Warsh withheld his dot for the June update. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 According to a later report by Le Monde published today, the new court order also spells out why that argument in itself is an inherent contradiction. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Election law, for example, spells out the circumstances under which ballots can be examined, even during a criminal prosecution. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Carlson also spells out a distinction the 90-10 case rather takes for granted. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 The film spells out the gargantuan payouts that each Boeing CEO has received, despite the crashes and questions about their actions and the company’s faltering value. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spells out
  1. explains
  2. illustrates
  3. clarifies
  4. demonstrates
Verb
  • But the stock market is also known for volatility, which explains why some people shy away from investing in it.
    — Maurie Backman, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
  • George Bonanno, a psychologist at Columbia University, explains that many people who have intense symptoms initially—such as nightmares and flashbacks—won’t develop PTSD.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of explains
Verb
  • Listen displays album artwork and playback information, while Climate illustrates cabin airflow and seat temperature.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The record illustrates how artists can combine music, video content, and direct engagement with listeners.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustrates
Verb
  • The proposal clarifies that the city's contribution covers the actual costs of maintaining, operating, and managing the stadium.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • But the list clarifies that restrictions don’t apply to licensing, partnerships, and contract research services involving these technologies.
    — Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of clarifies
Verb
  • Doe’s case demonstrates just how complex Title IX cases are, even under the more protective policies afforded to accusers by past presidential administrations.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • For now, the work demonstrates a limited but automated connection between detecting an odor and recreating a corresponding scent elsewhere.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of demonstrates

Browse Nearby Words

spells
spells out
spence
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Cite this Entry

“Spells out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spells%20out. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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