1
as in to describe
to give an oral or written account of in some detail
they told the story of how they had met
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to say
to express (a thought or emotion) in words
just tell us what is in your heart
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in to inform
to give information to
tell me, when did you begin playing the violin?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to instruct
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority
told us to sit still and wait
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to reveal
to make known (as information previously kept secret)
I won't tell your secret to anyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tell
Fast-forward to today, and the experts now tell us students may ...
—
James V. Shuls, National Review, 20 Apr. 2025
In Leech, a parasitic hive mind that infests people discovers another parasitic hive mind that infests people, competing for the same brain space (told in first-person from the POV of the former parasitic hive mind).
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
At the time, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE that officers reported to an incident in the Encino area, where a source confirmed Kyle owned a home Kim had been staying in.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Dougherty studies the impact of exercise on dementia risk, and told Health that losing weight can be one way to lower the risk of cognitive issues.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell
James V. Shuls, National Review, 20 Apr. 2025
In Leech, a parasitic hive mind that infests people discovers another parasitic hive mind that infests people, competing for the same brain space (told in first-person from the POV of the former parasitic hive mind).
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
At the time, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE that officers reported to an incident in the Encino area, where a source confirmed Kyle owned a home Kim had been staying in.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Dougherty studies the impact of exercise on dementia risk, and told Health that losing weight can be one way to lower the risk of cognitive issues.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell
Verb
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The problem described in the lawsuit is that even for domestic travel, if a driver's license and passport identify a person by different sexes, Transportation Security Administration officials accuse the person of holding a fraudulent document.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Born in Naples, his songs are described as a blend of Neapolitan, blues, jazz and world music.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The constitutional provision prohibiting public funds from being used for sectarian purposes echoed language drafted by Native Americans, the historians and legal scholars said.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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Base personnel contacted the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which looked into the matter, said the official.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The votes are then counted by three scrutineers who affirm what is written on each ballot and then announce it to the conclave, so the cardinals can record the votes themselves.—
Christopher Watson,
ABC News,
25 Apr. 2025
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The same videos played a pivotal role in the last trial, when a witness counted the drinks Read appeared to drink at both establishments.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Its measurements of ocean salinity and temperatures inform Navy operations, according to the Council on Strategic Risks, a nonpartisan security policy institute in Washington.—
Abrahm Lustgarten,
ProPublica,
24 Apr. 2025
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Becky, having seen Darlene and Chad together at the bar, informs Ben about Chad.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Reports emerged shortly after over the school’s emergency alert system, sending students and faculty into a panic as they were instructed to seek shelter.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Hasn’t instructed the front office to sign one free agent.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In September 2023, another investigation with Webb – an advanced telescope launched in 2021 outfitted with powerful infrared instruments – revealed something more: traces of carbon-bearing molecules in K2-18b's atmosphere, including methane and carbon dioxide.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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The report also revealed that builders are also being forced to slash selling prices to entice reluctant buyers, as high mortgage rates and soaring prices force many aspiring homeowners to the sidelines of the market.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Turnbull's dad, Alex Turnbull, co-directed a 2011 documentary on his father William called Beyond Time, which was narrated by Jude Law.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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The two-part special is narrated by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, whose company Wells Street Films, co-produced with Jigsaw Productions.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And the volunteer who can’t write a check but has spent every weekend knocking on doors and talking to neighbors about this campaign’s promise of a better future for Fort Worth.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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Josh Norris, Bowen Byram and JJ Peterka are among those scheduled to talk to reporters.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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