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
Attendees were told to shelter in nearby government buildings, and the celebration was delayed by a few hours before going on as scheduled.
—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
5 July 2026
Witnesses told the Star-Telegram that a Fourth of July party was being held in the area including a DJ and a boxing match.
—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 July 2026
And telling soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines otherwise is not leadership.
—
Kyla Guilfoil,
NBC news,
5 July 2026
In Raleigh, North Carolina, there have been 748 violations of the Stage One water restrictions as of June 29, Raleigh Water Assistant Director Edward Buchan told USA TODAY in an email.
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for tell
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
5 July 2026
Witnesses told the Star-Telegram that a Fourth of July party was being held in the area including a DJ and a boxing match.
—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 July 2026
And telling soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines otherwise is not leadership.
—
Kyla Guilfoil,
NBC news,
5 July 2026
In Raleigh, North Carolina, there have been 748 violations of the Stage One water restrictions as of June 29, Raleigh Water Assistant Director Edward Buchan told USA TODAY in an email.
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for tell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell
Verb
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Tribes describe the last of three waves of European incursions, nearly 85 years after Serra hung the first Mission bell in San Diego in 1769, as the most brutal.
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Rodríguez described scenes of children hospitalized with amputations and survivors grieving multiple family deaths.
Verb
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Sources told Rolling Stone that Stevie Nicks, a longtime friend of Swift, will be present at the ceremony — and another said that the singer-songwriter would perform on the special day.
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In a press release, Bonta reiterated his commitment to combating hate in California, and said the data obtained are accessible and critical to stopping such crimes in the state.
Verb
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The department’s definition laid out several criteria used to weigh if degrees count as professional programs.
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States can still count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, a blow to Republicans who had pushed for stricter regulations.
Verb
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Emergency responders arrived on the scene and were informed that the victim had been pulled by the current flowing through Sebonac Creek into the Great Peconic Bay, the statement said.
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The company also informed members about 2026 premium changes through phone calls, text messages, regular mail, or email, Baiocchi said.
Verb
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People are instructed to scan the QR link on the letter that will lead them to a list of available appointments to reschedule their test.
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The agency has instructed contractors that families at the facility cannot be referred to as prisoners, detainees or inmates, records show.
Verb
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Studies reveal a growing 'proximity bias,' where in-office employees are more likely to receive promotions and recognition, with career prospects for remote workers declining.
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The alleged rape was reported by The Athletic in May, though the identity of the player was not revealed at the time.
Verb
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In the many legends about Siva and Vishnu portrayed in the temples and re-narrated by Selvam, things happen in a dimension distinct from historical time.
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The one-hour documentary, narrated by Rosanne Cash, begins airing on PBS SoCal on June 25, then rolls out through the summer on PBS stations across the country.
Verb
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Before assuming the new borrowing limits apply to you, talk with your financial aid office.
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Above, her mother’s brother, Abdullahi Mohamed, cradled a cup of tea in his hands and talked to her parents about their Central Avenue community, the news of the day and the global events that dominated the early 2000s.
Cite this Entry
“Tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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