as in explains
to make plain or understandable
the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
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Recent Examples of spells out
Lina communicates using a method in which a nonspeaking person spells out words with the assistance of a facilitator, often a family member.
—
Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
In a March 26 news release, Texas Parks and Wildlife officials announced an amendment that more clearly spells out what buyers must show at the counter and adds tougher documentation rules for some out-of-state and foreign applicants.
—Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026
The lengthy bill spells out those restrictions.
—Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Seeing the wall police breached to give people inside the club a chance to get out, or the bathrooms and dressing rooms where people hid, prayed for survival or reached out to family and friends carries an impact that spells out this nation’s terrifying vulnerability to gun violence.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
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
Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
In a March 26 news release, Texas Parks and Wildlife officials announced an amendment that more clearly spells out what buyers must show at the counter and adds tougher documentation rules for some out-of-state and foreign applicants.
—Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026
The lengthy bill spells out those restrictions.
—Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Seeing the wall police breached to give people inside the club a chance to get out, or the bathrooms and dressing rooms where people hid, prayed for survival or reached out to family and friends carries an impact that spells out this nation’s terrifying vulnerability to gun violence.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spells out
Verb
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Enjoy, and see you soon… A flood of cheap copies of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster weight-loss drug in India is already reshaping the country’s fast-growing obesity medicine market, showing how quickly the patent cliff will affect GLP-1 makers like Eli Lilly, Bloomberg News explains.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
10 Apr. 2026
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Legally, as Randi helpfully explains, Deborah can film something as long as it’s not released until the noncompete is over.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Through a blend of archival recordings and contemporary interviews, the series illustrates how the church became a sanctuary for its community, honoring both their faith and queerness while fostering joy and connection during a time of profound grief.—
Patrick Hipes,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2026
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The film illustrates how her powerful images not only document the human cost of conflict but also drive social change, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of journalism and highlighting the universal struggle between ambition and familial obligations.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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When asked if he is divorced, Marsden's character clarifies he is widowed.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
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Lawmakers must pass legislation that clarifies that ostomy supplies are not appropriate for inclusion in competitive bidding programs and should be treated as patient-specific systems, not interchangeable goods.—
Diego Schaps,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Kia’s killing, and those of countless Iranian scientists in all parts of the country, demonstrates the lengths to which Israel and the United States are willing to go to ensure that Tehran’s ability to weaponize its nuclear program is significantly curtailed after the war ends.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
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When targeted effectively, however, WOTC demonstrates strong potential.—
Brooke Creek,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spells out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spells%20out. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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