as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Xi spells out yuan reserve currency goal China’s leader called for the yuan to become a global reserve currency, part of Beijing’s efforts to play a larger role in international financial systems.
—
semafor.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Along with biographical information, candidates are asked to spell out their positions on taxes, social issues, the economy and other major challenges.
—From Staff Reports, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
City Council President Linda Barnes-Caldwell, D-5th, authored the ordinance, expected to be approved Tuesday, that spells out the funding framework for the project.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Ideally, wrote Davis in a follow-up email, the government agency will spell out its specific concerns about each peptide, and then describe what data would be needed for the FDA to overturn its prohibitions.
—Sara Talpos — Undark, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spell out
semafor.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Along with biographical information, candidates are asked to spell out their positions on taxes, social issues, the economy and other major challenges.
—From Staff Reports, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
City Council President Linda Barnes-Caldwell, D-5th, authored the ordinance, expected to be approved Tuesday, that spells out the funding framework for the project.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Ideally, wrote Davis in a follow-up email, the government agency will spell out its specific concerns about each peptide, and then describe what data would be needed for the FDA to overturn its prohibitions.
—Sara Talpos — Undark, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell out
Verb
-
Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.—
Kris Millgate,
Outdoor Life,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs argued Brady’s role as a sports network broadcaster — not just a Patriots icon — explains his neutral stance.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Other experts said the subject’s movement could illustrate a lack of urgency.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The singer stood next to a set of faux power lines onstage, which quickly exploded to illustrate the island's frequent power outages.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In reality, the project and its progressive defenders fed those forces rather than clarified them.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Republicans framed the bathroom and driver’s license bill as an addendum clarifying the intent of a separate 2023 bill barring trans women from accessing female-only spaces.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Unlike the Cold War-era contest between the Soviet Union and the United States, which was driven by governments seeking to demonstrate technological superiority, today's race is increasingly powered by private companies and commercial competition.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Still, the tech giant is facing a growing set of challenges, from intensifying competition to lingering concerns of an AI bubble and relentless pressure to demonstrate growth after several explosive quarters.—
Rosa de Acosta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spell%20out. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
