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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for tells (on)

Verb

Understanding how climate change influences extreme events helps communities, businesses and governments better assess changing risks, improve planning and infrastructure, and make more informed decisions about preparedness and adaptation.

— Deepti Singh, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
More recent research has shown that state ownership takes many forms and that institutional design substantially influences outcomes.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of influences

Verb

Despite that, when Bezos talks, a lot of people pay attention.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 27 July 2026
Each week Bloomberg's award-winning reporter Akshat Rathi talks to the people tackling climate change — venture capitalists, scientists, politicians who have created climate laws, and CEOs who have transformed their businesses.

— Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of talks

Verb

Randy Dobnak impresses again While Collins led the way offensively, the Royals got a solid effort from right-handed starting pitcher Randy Dobnak.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Its long-wearing and transfer-proof formula isn’t the only thing that impresses me.

— Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Definition of impresses

Verb

New World screwworm, a concerning pest that mainly impacts livestock and wildlife, was detected in South Texas in June 2026.

— Sarah Tomlinson, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
Baker, and Latimore explained to THR how the blended family of raising six children between them and Tiffany impacts this final season.

— Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

Definition of impacts

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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 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tells (on)

verb

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