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
Sacbee.com, 30 Dec. 2025
The stakes are high, and there are the usual interpersonal fights to sort out amongst all the battles with intergalactic creatures.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025
And who better to help collectors sort out their spaces than Bobby Berk?
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2025
The officiating crew took time to get the mess sorted out.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sort out
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Phrasal verb
The city was left to sort out the details, and was sued, in the meantime, by some of the protesters.
—Sacbee.com, 30 Dec. 2025
The stakes are high, and there are the usual interpersonal fights to sort out amongst all the battles with intergalactic creatures.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025
And who better to help collectors sort out their spaces than Bobby Berk?
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2025
The officiating crew took time to get the mess sorted out.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 2025.
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