spell out

verb

spelled out; spelling out; spells out
Synonyms of spell outnext

transitive verb

1
: to make plain
spelled out the orders in detail
2
: to write or print in letters and in full
numbers are to be spelled out

Synonyms of spell out

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Examples of spell out in a Sentence

the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
At the bottom of the laces, beads are used to spell out Clark’s initials on the right shoe and jersey number on the left. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Aug. 2026 Many of them did not spell out how much customers were paying for tariffs and instead baked that cost directly into higher prices. — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026 Milo says the initial money will go toward maintenance, and the ballot measure will spell out new projects that will be funded. — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 For reasons that aren’t spelled out in court records, Dowen decided he was owed more. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spell out

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spell out was in 1940

Rhymes for spell out

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Browse Nearby Words

Spellman
spell out
spell trouble
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spell%20out. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spell out

verb
1
: to make very plain
our duties were spelled out
2
: to write or print in letters and in full
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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