as in explaining
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 spelling out
The two sides still have to finalize agreements spelling out the services that will be provided at each venue by July 2027.
—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Coupal initially stood his ground, but later issued a letter spelling out terms for the eventual agreement.
—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
After a day of legal maneuvers and thunderstorms, workers began the process in the early morning hours of removing the letters spelling out the Republican president’s name from the facade of the iconic performing arts venue.
—
Steven Sloan,
Fortune,
13 June 2026
Leaning minimal, opt for simple cursive lettering spelling out the best city in the world.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
9 June 2026
In February, the administration finalized a rule creating this new category of at-will employees called Schedule Policy/Career, and on Wednesday, the president issued an executive order spelling out which existing civil service positions would be transitioned.
—
Megan Molteni,
STAT,
5 June 2026
Visitors would enter past letters spelling out N-A-T-E-L-A-N-D and pass through a six-story indoor mall spilling onto pathways leading to the other three lands.
—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
19 May 2026
His mistakes have included depriving vulnerable older people of a benefit to heat their homes; raising payroll taxes on employers, while simultaneously asking them to hire more young people; and seeking a new relationship with the European Union, but never spelling out what that means.
—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Specifically, carapaces spelling out 8647, which is either shell-speak for evil intent or a bartender telling Patel to 86 his personal booze and buy a drink already.
—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
8 May 2026
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Coupal initially stood his ground, but later issued a letter spelling out terms for the eventual agreement.
—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
After a day of legal maneuvers and thunderstorms, workers began the process in the early morning hours of removing the letters spelling out the Republican president’s name from the facade of the iconic performing arts venue.
—
Steven Sloan,
Fortune,
13 June 2026
Leaning minimal, opt for simple cursive lettering spelling out the best city in the world.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
9 June 2026
In February, the administration finalized a rule creating this new category of at-will employees called Schedule Policy/Career, and on Wednesday, the president issued an executive order spelling out which existing civil service positions would be transitioned.
—
Megan Molteni,
STAT,
5 June 2026
Visitors would enter past letters spelling out N-A-T-E-L-A-N-D and pass through a six-story indoor mall spilling onto pathways leading to the other three lands.
—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
19 May 2026
His mistakes have included depriving vulnerable older people of a benefit to heat their homes; raising payroll taxes on employers, while simultaneously asking them to hire more young people; and seeking a new relationship with the European Union, but never spelling out what that means.
—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Specifically, carapaces spelling out 8647, which is either shell-speak for evil intent or a bartender telling Patel to 86 his personal booze and buy a drink already.
—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spelling out
Verb
-
Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.
-
The traditional experience requires waiting on hold, explaining the situation and hoping an agent can help.
Verb
-
That's a key technical level watched and used by traders, illustrating a stock or index's trend.
-
Wingate weaves this historical horror with a modern-day mystery, illustrating the lasting trauma of children stolen for profit and the unbreakable bond of blood.
Verb
-
German courts are clarifying a gray area in the 2024 cannabis reform regarding the legal status of cannabis cuttings.
-
After Micah’s birth, Lauryn posted a statement on X clarifying that Rohan was not her newborn's father.
Verb
-
Kyiv has also stepped up long-range drone and missile strikes inside Russia, targeting energy, military and logistics infrastructure, demonstrating the progress Ukraine has made in developing domestic strike capabilities.
-
Boston Consulting Group suggests CEO hopefuls start cultivating a social media presence and demonstrating the ability to represent a company at least five years before expecting to take the top job.
Verb
-
For getting up the hill and getting across the flatter sections.
-
The issue has been discussed within Congress for years and has received bipartisan support, but obstacles have repeatedly stopped the effort from getting across the finish line.
Cite this Entry
“Spelling out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spelling%20out. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
