spell out

verb

Definition of spell outnext
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 spell out Swift’s fans figured out Tuesday that the third letter of each word/term — when rearranged — spelled out Encore. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026 But the doc often relies on how well known these stories are to get out of JAŸ spelling out their grim particulars. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026 His 122-page indictment, which named Badio and the Colombians among others, spelled out a power grab that also involved people in the president’s circle. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026 Also pictured was a custom chain with Bronze’s name spelled out in diamonds. — Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell out
  1. explain
  2. illustrate
  3. clarify
  4. demonstrate
Verb
  • Diesel fuel that is intended for off-road uses such as agriculture is exempt from federal and state excise taxes, and it is dyed for law enforcement purposes, the White House explained in a fact sheet.
    — NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Imagination and influence are tied together, Sherald explained.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • The boomer’s reckoning Voeste grew up in Dortmund, the coal-and-steel city whose fate has long illustrated the dangers of clinging to an industrial past after its economics have changed.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This is well illustrated at Dia Beacon, where the sculpture Relatum (formerly System), 1969, sits near two paintings both titled With Winds, 1991.
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • Crash axes The UAE’s attorney general’s statement was the first time authorities have clarified the weapon the attacker used.
    — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Later, campus administration clarified that their initial communication had been sent erroneously and the funds were being held temporarily for review.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • There, local fishermen demonstrated their sustainable crayfish harvesting process, and as a spectacular touch, the helicopter lifted one of the crayfish tanks straight out of the ocean, giving our client a dramatic view of the abundant catch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • French youths have been demonstrating over poor conditions at school buildings, and analysts expect unrest to intensify after a teenager’s hand was blown off by a riot police sting grenade.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of demonstrate

Browse Nearby Words

spelling out
spell out
spells
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Cite this Entry

“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spell%20out. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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