1
as in to describe
to give an oral or written account of in some detail
they told the story of how they had met
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to say
to express (a thought or emotion) in words
just tell us what is in your heart
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in to inform
to give information to
tell me, when did you begin playing the violin?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to instruct
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority
told us to sit still and wait
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to reveal
to make known (as information previously kept secret)
I won't tell your secret to anyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tell
Ahead of Bug’s opening at the Friedman Theatre, Coon told Vogue what’s on her mind.
—
Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
However, executive producer John Wells told The Hollywood Reporter in August 2025 that the decision was due to the realities of staffing a teaching hospital.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Sources told The Denver Post, however, that Greenlaw is expecting to be healthy come playoff time.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Jan. 2026
However, a source within Yosemite EMS told Outside that the total number of SAR calls did not increase noticeably during the shutdown when compared to 2024 numbers.
—Gavin Feek, Outside, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell
Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
However, executive producer John Wells told The Hollywood Reporter in August 2025 that the decision was due to the realities of staffing a teaching hospital.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Sources told The Denver Post, however, that Greenlaw is expecting to be healthy come playoff time.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Jan. 2026
However, a source within Yosemite EMS told Outside that the total number of SAR calls did not increase noticeably during the shutdown when compared to 2024 numbers.
—Gavin Feek, Outside, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell
Verb
-
The only real attempt in this episode to describe the difficulty of Maia’s position as Tallulah’s manager comes from Maia’s chirpy co-worker (Lauren Holt, a treat every time).—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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During the week, Aluko had described lying in bed at the height of the controversy, depressed and unable to eat.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In Kyiv, a CNN reporter said that the attack began around midnight, starting with multiple drone strikes on residential buildings.—
Kosta Gak,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
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Due to cold temperatures, emergency medical services were contacted to evaluate her, authorities said.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Barton will have to wait another month to receive his sentence for the six guilty counts the jury returned on charges of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety to football broadcasters Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, and TV and radio host Jeremy Vine.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
That’s great news for collectors, many of whom count this Third Growth Margaux among their favorite bottles.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
On the whole, higher limits offer better protection, so recognizing the differences in coverage between minimum requirements and real-life needs can inform better decision-making in this regard.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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Local fire and government authorities are notified prior to burn days and kept informed throughout prescribed fire operations.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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On Friday, after Chew instructed jurors on how to evaluate opening statements, Baker presented surveillance footage from Building 10, Stanford’s executive offices.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 Jan. 2026
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My trail instructed me to begin with a 10-minute session in the hot stone room, followed by a Kneipp walk, then time in the hydro pool, aromatic steam room, waterfall shower, bio sauna, and salt relaxation room, ending in the herbal tea room.—
Meaghan Kenny,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The images revealed both the mass and an affected lymph node, confirming the presence of cancer cells.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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However, in November, Zubimendi revealed a more subconscious benefit to playing chess.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Notably, Stefanik is not narrating the video, a feature typical of most campaign launches, when the candidate speaks directly to appeal to the voter.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
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When solving a problem or making a decision, narrate your thought process.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Brandon asked her out the next day, and the pair spent hours talking on a Ferris wheel during their first date.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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People with respiratory viruses who have high-risk conditions or who live in households with high-risk individuals should talk to their healthcare professional about taking antiviral medications to treat the virus or prevent transmission.—
Jack Perry,
The Providence Journal,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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