TELLS (ON) Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

tells (on)

verb

present tense third-person singular of tell (on)

as in influences

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response the pressure of final exams is beginning to tell on the students in the dorm

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as in talks

to give information (as to the authorities) about another's improper or unlawful activities detectives convinced the perpetrators in custody to tell on their associates

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tells (on)

Verb

Inside the glass vial lies the successor to the French company’s award-winning hair tonic, amped up with research into how the scalp’s microbiome influences your locks.

— Dan Michel, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2026
The 10-year Treasury, for instance, strongly influences mortgage rates and this week topped 5% for the first time since 2023.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of influences

Verb

If the foreground star has a planet orbiting it, the planet’s gravity also affects the light from the distant star.

— Thomas Fauchez, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
The rare condition restricts the movement of the eye, and usually only affects one eye — according to the NHS.

— Leon Imber, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of affects

Verb

This intergenerational dialogue informs the making of each collection.

— WWD Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
This dichotomy, between depressive routine and the spark of something exciting, or even irksome, both informs each relationship, and clarifies (for the viewer) Arash’s state of mind the more his reasons are revealed.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of informs

Verb

View gallery - 15 images Dragon Tiny Homes regularly impresses us with its ultra-portable models.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2026
Alas, right at the film’s finish line, Swanberg backstabs his own commitment to honesty when one of Wendy’s pursuers impresses her with a magical ex machina.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of impresses

Verb

The Big Ten issued a statement two hours after the game, clarifying the process that was used and citing the rule that was enforced about when the clock stops if a player touches the ball out of bounds.

— Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026
Narwal Freo 20 Edge Narwal’s flagship Flow series extends the side of the mop cylinder that touches the ground, so more is in contact with the floor at once.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of touches

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tells off

tells (on)

telltale

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“Tells (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tells%20%28on%29. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tells (on)

verb

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