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
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Car rental or driver arrangements are offered as an add-on through the Airbnb booking process, so sorting out the logistics is relatively simple.
—Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
More than five years after Congress rushed COVID relief for employers into law, courts are still sorting out who gets paid.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Gildo Zegna has the air of a man with the supreme confidence of someone who’s sorted out all the answers.
—Dave Schilling
contributing
follow, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sort out
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Verb
Morgan and Tilis have other potential extensions to sort out over the next few months, as cornerback Mike Jackson and quarterback Bryce Young are among potential candidates for new deals.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Car rental or driver arrangements are offered as an add-on through the Airbnb booking process, so sorting out the logistics is relatively simple.
—Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
More than five years after Congress rushed COVID relief for employers into law, courts are still sorting out who gets paid.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Gildo Zegna has the air of a man with the supreme confidence of someone who’s sorted out all the answers.
—Dave Schilling
contributing
follow, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
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 15 Jun. 2026.
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