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 The two sides still have to finalize agreements spelling out the services that will be provided at each venue by July 2027. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 That agreement should spell out the settlement amount, the payment deadline and provide explicit confirmation that the payment satisfies the debt in full. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Adding to the authenticity, grittiness and realness of The Guest is the fact that some of the past between the characters gets hinted at but not always spelled out. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 These elements spell out the difference between simple task automation and an AI workflow an organization can actually trust. — Greg Pavlik, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell out
  1. explain
  2. illustrate
  3. clarify
  4. demonstrate
Verb
  • Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Davies explains that Provenance adds value, as does good condition, because textiles are particularly unforgiving and easy to damage.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The design and materials of devices such as bone saws, fleams and scarifacators – used to bleed veins and skin surfaces – illustrate the close affinity of humans with other animals.
    — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • Known for his deep technical knowledge and signature milk punches, Gibson has brought that ingenuity to Lucky Star through his reserved cocktails, such as the cookies and cream made with rum, clarified milk tea and creme de cacao.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • During Murdaugh’s first status hearing on Monday, June 29, Judge Debra McCaslin did not rule on the DNA evidence, telling defense attorneys to clarify if the sample was viable.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of clarify
Verb
  • Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.
    — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 2 July 2026
  • The resulting bio-char demonstrated a heating value of 29 MJ/kg, meaning that burning 1 kg of the fuel will provide 29 MJ of thermal energy.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spell out

Nglish: Translation of spell out for Spanish Speakers

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