sorted out; sorting out; sorts out
1
: to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking
I'm trying to sort out a way to do it.
2
: to find an answer or solution for (something)
He's still trying to sort out his problems.
We need to get these problems sorted out as soon as possible.
They couldn't come up with a solution and decided to wait to see whether problem sorted itself out.
3
: to solve the problems of (someone)
They're still trying to sort their son out.
I just need a little more time to sort myself out.
4
British, informal
: to deal in a forceful way with (someone who is causing problems)
I told my brother they were bullying me, and he promised to sort them out (for me).
British
: an activity in which someone makes a room, closet, etc., neat and organized
Let's have a sort-out of the attic.
Examples of sort out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
Once that issue was sorted out, my bladder finally relaxed — and the urine flowed just fine.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
This isn’t about needing time to work through intense emotions or to sort out thoughts, because that’s normally conveyed.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Use that time to sort out the medicine cabinet.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sort out
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Phrasal verb
If tax records and documents do not add up, employers and employees may be arrested and detained as investigators sort out who is illegally present in the United States or illegally employing workers.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
Once that issue was sorted out, my bladder finally relaxed — and the urine flowed just fine.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
This isn’t about needing time to work through intense emotions or to sort out thoughts, because that’s normally conveyed.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Use that time to sort out the medicine cabinet.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sort out
Cite this Entry
“Sort out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sort%20out. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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