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
Our pro panel tells us that works out to about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of salt.
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
Burt Reynolds told Business Insider in 2016 that, like Pacino, he was offered and turned down the part.
—Mike Miller Published, EW.com, 7 June 2025
In 2024, a highly intoxicated passenger on an All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo to Seattle reportedly bit a flight attendant in the arm an hour after takeoff, the Japanese airline told The Japan Times.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
Burt Reynolds told Business Insider in 2016 that, like Pacino, he was offered and turned down the part.
—Mike Miller Published, EW.com, 7 June 2025
In 2024, a highly intoxicated passenger on an All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo to Seattle reportedly bit a flight attendant in the arm an hour after takeoff, the Japanese airline told The Japan Times.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell
Verb
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Most public attention on tax policy focuses on income tax rates, but Riessen describes what expanded depreciation benefits meant for her business.—
Carrie Lukas,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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One survivor, Ephraim Reichenberg, who appears in the doc describes how he and his brother were subjected to injections in the neck.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Padilla said he got fed up listening to her remarks about criminals and invasions and tried to ask a question, while moving forward past the wall of television cameras.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2025
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Shortly after, Kehl would fall to his death at a neighboring building — police have yet to say if the fall was intentional or accidental.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Leaders count nearly 60,000 K-12 students who participated in last year’s programs.—
James Pollard,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
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Voters cup to five candidates on their ballots, and tabulators count their preferences until one candidate gets a majority.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
12 June 2025
Verb
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His mother informs Mel and his sister that their father will be out on day release but urges them not to share their address with him.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2025
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Different experiences inform a more complete understanding of the problem and potential solutions.—
Karlo Tanjuakio,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Verb
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Key Background Congress approved topline spending goals earlier this year to enact Trump’s agenda, instructing relevant committees in the House and Senate to write policy legislation in line with the new figures.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Another common homeowner boundary issue arises when homeowners instruct HOA vendors, which is the manager’s role.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 June 2025
Verb
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The Justice Department budget summary also revealed plans to shutter the agency's Community Relations Service and eliminate all 56 of the office's positions.—
June 17,
CBS News,
17 June 2025
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Machine Gun Kelly has finally revealed the name of his infant daughter with Megan Fox, nearly three months after the on-and-off couple welcomed their first child together.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Scenes from The Lion King, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, and more played across the water, narrated by Joy from Inside Out.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 June 2025
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That’s what makes Ocean with David Attenborough—the new documentary directed by Toby Nowlan and narrated by Sir David Attenborough—so powerful.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Verb
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This is a poor day to talk to parents, bosses, authority figures and the police about anything important.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
7 June 2025
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At one point, Chris Rock’s character, Rufus, is talking to Bethany about the difference between having a belief and having an idea.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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