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 The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025 Norman was allegedly dragged about a half-mile up the road before he was eventually ejected from the vehicle, the police told the outlets. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 14 May 2025 The unlikely hit comedy, which tells a deranged alternative history of Mary Todd Lincoln, has attracted high-profile celebrity audience members including Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 2 May 2025 Market sources tell us the film’s budget is being pegged north of $150M. The film stars Jesse Plemons, Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, and McKenna Grace. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell
Verb
  • Cutler then described their telephone conversation on the matter.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 May 2025
  • In it, Tucci described undergoing an intensive 35-day radiation treatment and seven sessions of chemotherapy.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • While sometimes annoying, insects are more important than many of us give them credit for, say experts.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 20 May 2025
  • The new alternatives could inspire people who were initially deterred by GLP-1 injectables’ high price tag to give these medications a try, Roebuck said.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • With overseas ballots still to be counted and four seats undecided, Chega could overtake the Socialist Party and become the official opposition.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025
  • Another positive for Liverpool is that Frimpong would also count as a homegrown player for the purpose of Premier League and Champions League squad registration, having come through the ranks at Manchester City’s youth teams.
    James Nalton, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The film also stars Dave Bautista as Steve, the show’s producer who informs Shelly that her longtime gig is coming to an end.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Parents and teachers were not informed of that probe or her indictment on 19 charges in August 2024, and only discovered this information two months ago when local outlet WHYY broke the story.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • But the Woodville Independent School District (ISD) confirmed after the Monday, May 19, incident, he was instructed not to return to campus.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • All staff members interviewed for the investigation were instructed to keep proceedings confidential, but those accused became aware of who made the allegations against them early on in the process, according to Hiestand’s report.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Bank of America data reveals that domestic travel is up 3% as Americans, facing economic uncertainty, opt to explore closer to home rather than expensive overseas trips.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 24 May 2025
  • The observations revealed the companion galaxy is moving toward the quasar-hosting galaxy at about 1.2 million miles per hour (2 million kilometers per hour), indicating the two are in the midst of a high-speed collision.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The event included a video tribute narrated by Liberty great Sue Wicks, celebratory remarks from team owners Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai and of course, the ring distribution.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
  • The teaser features shots from Nouvelle Vague, narrated by a woman in French.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Hamas talked to the United States and Egyptian and Qatari mediators to arrange the release of Alexander, and Israel has sent a team to Doha to begin a new round of talks.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Juana Summers talks with Renard about what he's seen in Gaza, and what's next for the people there.
    NPR, NPR, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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