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 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 Staring down an assembly of the outraged, Digger spells out the ruthless logic of global capitalism and claims the world’s fuel dependency as the ultimate vindication. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 Its product and driver pages also offer macOS software, but the company does not clearly spell out which Touch features work on a Mac. — Sascha Brodsky, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 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 See All Example Sentences for spell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell out
  1. explain
  2. illustrate
  3. clarify
  4. demonstrate
Verb
  • Kelly said she was impressed by Sand’s ability to not only answer complex policy questions off the cuff but also to explain the context of the issue for others in the audience who might not have been as familiar.
    — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Faulk explained the section from the Old Applehill Road to Douglas Street is considered a limited access highway because the state does not want businesses creating their own access points.
    — Lynn Kutter, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • More broadly, the expansion illustrates how advanced technology, industrial investment and acquisition reform are increasingly interconnected in modern defence planning.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • However, its premise also illustrates the very ideological hypocrisy that has alienated much of the public from the press.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • For good or ill, the film also refrains from forcing Uta to ever clarify her sexuality or choose one partner over the other.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Now, the former employees, as well as OpenAI, have issued additional statements to clarify their sides of the story.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 9 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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