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 deal also spells out that any footage generated by AI will be under a director’s control.
—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
26 June 2026
The agreement spells out sanctions relief for Iran and calls for the creation of a $300 billion economic development fund.
—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
The agreement says the US will issue waivers allowing Iran to export oil and spells out provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, among other measures.
—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
Each piece spells out a message—happiness, beauty, and magnificence—in the ancient pictorial writing.
—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
12 June 2026
The remainder of the letter spells out multiple allegations, which Tufty contests.
—
Eric Adler
june 4,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
In most cases, the deceased names an executor in their will, a document that spells out what should happen to their assets after death.
—
James Malm,
The Conversation,
1 June 2026
Driving the Conversation Mina Kimes spells out success For my money, the smartest on-air talent in sports media is ESPN’s Mina Kimes.
—
Dan Shanoff,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
The consent decree spells out the back pay 26 workers will get for work they should have been paid between 2019 and 2023.
—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
26 June 2026
The agreement spells out sanctions relief for Iran and calls for the creation of a $300 billion economic development fund.
—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
The agreement says the US will issue waivers allowing Iran to export oil and spells out provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, among other measures.
—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
Each piece spells out a message—happiness, beauty, and magnificence—in the ancient pictorial writing.
—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
12 June 2026
The remainder of the letter spells out multiple allegations, which Tufty contests.
—
Eric Adler
june 4,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
In most cases, the deceased names an executor in their will, a document that spells out what should happen to their assets after death.
—
James Malm,
The Conversation,
1 June 2026
Driving the Conversation Mina Kimes spells out success For my money, the smartest on-air talent in sports media is ESPN’s Mina Kimes.
—
Dan Shanoff,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
The consent decree spells out the back pay 26 workers will get for work they should have been paid between 2019 and 2023.
—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spells out
Verb
-
Maybe that explains her chaotic behavior when the crew goes out later that night.
-
Deputy Ethan Weinzieri explains just some of the work the dogs do.
Verb
-
James Wilson, a prominent attorney, best illustrates that evolution.
-
The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed.
Verb
-
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act clarifies that states can establish their own procedures for counting ballots.
-
Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.
Verb
-
Consider if the side gig adds unique skills, demonstrates entrepreneurship, or could be perceived as a distraction or conflict of interest.
-
The advocacy group Stand Up for Science has posted advice on writing comments, along with an extremely lengthy and detailed submission that demonstrates just how comprehensive a comment can be.
Cite this Entry
“Spells out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spells%20out. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
