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.
Altman later spelled out why OpenAI would welcome safety requirements for frontier AI labs. — Sasha Tuddenham, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026 The doors finally open Store Manager Patrick McGuinness welcomed customers pushing their shopping carts into the store while leading loud chants, such as spelling out Wegmans letter by letter. — Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 As red smoke billowed above them, the students stood in front of large gray letters spelling out the school's name, holding a Palestinian flag. — Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 With its name spelled out in gold, Lady Moura was—and still is—prime tabloid fodder. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

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