tell

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as in to count
to find the sum of (a collection of things) by noting each one as it is being added who can tell the number of grains of sand in the world?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb tell differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of tell are betray, disclose, divulge, and reveal. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

Where would betray be a reasonable alternative to tell?

While in some cases nearly identical to tell, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When would disclose be a good substitute for tell?

The words disclose and tell can be used in similar contexts, but disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When might divulge be a better fit than tell?

Although the words divulge and tell have much in common, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

In what contexts can reveal take the place of tell?

The meanings of reveal and tell largely overlap; however, reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

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 tell In that context, the visit of Brighton to Old Trafford on Saturday could tell us more about United than the trip to Anfield. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025 Before the judges revealed their scores, Leavitt told cohost Julianne Hough that her sole goal in week 6 was to redeem her week 5 stumble during a soulful contemporary routine dedicated to her husband. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025 The thrill of the unexplained is what prompts so many to take ghost tours, which often tell juicy and sometimes goosebump-inducing stories that give historic sites a richer context. Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025 While still unconfirmed, we’re told the film follows Louise, the alcoholic mother of Mike (Hechinger) and Tommy, who takes off after a quarrel with her husband Lester — walking with her dog to the home of her brother Frank, quite a few miles away. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell
Verb
  • If so, Scoresby unwittingly described the effects of a shift in the quantity of solar radiation that reached Earth’s surface.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • On August 22, she was attacked while on a Charlotte light train in what police described as an unprovoked stabbing.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There is certainly one moral argument for taking games overseas, for saying that fans who follow their team from all corners of the world deserve to have their game and their heroes brought to them.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Since the city does not own the adjacent former Staples building, which Spirit Halloween is leasing, there are no plans for that building to be part of the redevelopment, said Middletown Vice Mayor Steve West.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza, received 41% of votes nationwide with 92% of ballots counted, according to data published by Interior Minister Guillermo Francos on Sunday.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Again, this would have been soft, but when Nathan Collins planted his boot in front of Gakpo’s, there was probably enough of an infringement to award a penalty, albeit the winger’s exaggerated fall may have counted against him.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Five weeks after her daughter’s drowning incident, Mara and their family received a letter from CPS informing them that their case had been closed after failing to prove neglectful supervision.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ramirez mentioned this to a superior, who instructed Ramirez to direct Chua to the city manager.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Goya’s print with this quote originally features a master donkey, seemingly instructing a disciple.
    Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Moore’s journey reveals how Black Nationalism emerged not simply as a rejection of American ideals, but as a demand for their true fulfillment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • One post on the platform included a screenshot of a season 4 scene where Will uses a conversation about Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) to reveal his true feelings for Mike.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His work credits have included National Geographic’s Ocean with David Attenborough, NBC’s The Americas narrated by Tom Hanks, and the upcoming Blue Planet III on BBC.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The professor recorded and narrated the field trip so Rogers and others could complete the assignment at Stanley.
    Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • So to be there, back in my home state, to cover something that was just so unthinkable, reprehensible, that's always stayed with me, just talking to people in the days and hours after that tragedy.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Therefore, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with a healthcare provider before using sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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