spelled out

verb

past tense of spell out
as in explained
to make plain or understandable the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 spelled out The latter two are nearly unheard of, but the cherry on top was our one-year-old son’s name spelled out in letter decals inside the tub. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 In case of what need not be spelled out when the series opens with a shocking tableau of gay bar owner Leo Struthers (Alan Cumming), the recipient of Melba’s speech, hanging by his neck from a streetlight outside his Manchester home. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026 The council’s discussion followed a story Monday in The Times that detailed how LA28 failed to adhere to the strict annual reporting requirements spelled out in the organization’s 2021 contract with the city. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Google assuredly spelled out its reservation of rights to advertise, at a minimum, its own and its affiliates products or services. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 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 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 That protocol, however, has not been spelled out in the NCAA’s Instant Replay Case Book. — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spelled out
  1. explained
  2. illustrated
  3. demonstrated
  4. clarified
  5. interpreted
  6. simplified
Verb
  • Justin Wilson, an associate professor of physics at Louisiana State University and a study coauthor, explained that random interventions could suppress otherwise unpredictable behavior.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Adding that there were multiple bloods; some waterier, some viscous, others stickier, Flanagan explained that blood for dropping was different from what needed to be painted on Howell, which could not drip off.
    — Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of explained
Verb
  • The collection’s attempt at provocation was perhaps best illustrated by a top with underboob exposure that seemed intended to signal a rebellious edge but came across as little more than an ill-fitting garment in search of a point of view.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The film is inspired by Colin Meloy’s 2011 novel of the same name and illustrated by Carson Ellis in Laika’s classic stop-motion style.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustrated
Verb
  • When Albin returned to the question of which country posed the greater threat to American interests, el Sayed again declined to choose between them, arguing that both had demonstrated the capacity to cause harm.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Ud Doula reiterated that the RSC had failed to deliver adequately on its existing mandate and that the industry had already demonstrated its capacity to improve factory safety.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of demonstrated
Verb
  • Olivia Rodrigo has clarified both her stance on artificial intelligence and her relationship status after the two issues overlapped for the pop star this summer.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of clarified
Verb
  • Rossi interpreted the idea of the piazza quite literally, arranging the service’s pieces like structures around a public square.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Courts have interpreted that to mean Americans are not required to believe in God or profess any faith.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of interpreted
Verb
  • Grayscale, minimalist launchers, app blockers and simplified home screens all help.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Emmie Finckel’s scenic design, like the musical itself, overdetails what could work more effectively if simplified.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of simplified

Browse Nearby Words

spelled
spelled out
speller
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spelled out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spelled%20out. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of galore

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All