1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tells (on)
Verb
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The research team set out to determine whether diet directly influences this fat buildup.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026 -
El Niño and La Niña are opposite ends of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation -- a climate phenomenon based on water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean that influences temperatures and precipitation around the globe, according to the NOAA.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Iran’s president said the US blockade on Iranian ports remains a major obstacle to talks.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
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Indeed, as advertised, Raye talks to the audience so much — and is so warm and hilarious — that her banter is a show in itself.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This is a good moment for a direct money conversation or to review something that affects both sides.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
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The shape of a pot affects drainage, with taller, narrower pots draining better than shorter, wider ones.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Several of its designers previously worked on major projects such as Aman Tokyo and The Chedi Andermatt; experience that informs the team’s warm, Asian-leaning minimalism.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Since then, Tanshi has set up a major wildfire monitoring and prevention system that informs locals what days are safe for burning land, which is necessary to clear bush for farming.—
Paige Bruton,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Want to make a weeknight meal that really impresses?—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
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The streak certainly impresses goaltender Scott Wedgewood.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Since heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States—and dementia significantly impacts both quality and length of life —anything that meaningfully reduces risk, even modestly, matters in the longevity conversation.—
Michele Ross,
SELF,
22 Apr. 2026
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Finally, constrained by these non-discretionary costs, households pull back on all other spending, which directly impacts aggregate GDP.—
Katica Roy,
Fortune,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The video also touches on the online betting markets for youth sports.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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That touches on consumer protection.—
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Tells (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tells%20%28on%29. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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