TELL (ON) Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

tell (on)

verb

Definition of tell (on)

as in to affect

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response the pressure of final exams is beginning to tell on the students in the dorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to talk

to give information (as to the authorities) about another's improper or unlawful activities detectives convinced the perpetrators in custody to tell on their associates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell (on)

Verb

From union rallies at Sacramento State to a major social media bill headed to the governor’s desk, this week brought developments that affect students, parents, homeowners and residents across the region.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
That would affect jobs and cause drops in sales, property and tourism taxes.

— Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of affect

Verb

For those who take pride in their pouty lips (or their ability to talk their way out of just about anything), a swipe of lipstick and nothing else is a cool way to look put together without the hustle of actually putting yourself together.

— Loren Savini, Allure, 4 Sep. 2026
Despite 40-plus years of dazzling red-carpet moments—and two decades since becoming the first Arab designer on the official Paris haute couture calendar—in real life Elie Saab is still more comfortable letting his runway do the talking for him.

— Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of talk

Verb

Physical activity, blood pressure, hearing loss, smoking, social isolation, sleep, nutrition, stress management and recovery can all influence our long-term health.

— Mick Safron, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
In the 19th century, flamenco dancers began using the abanico as an expressive prop, as Cuban song and dance styles such as the guajira influenced the dance form.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

While the price of gasoline directly impacts most motorists, the record diesel costs hit people indirectly through inflation.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Neurological conditions from Parkinson's to spinal trauma can also impact the bladder, but urination frequency issues aren't typically the first or only sign, Roth says.

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of impact

Verb

Officials say no human contact with the bat is known but urge anyone touched by a bat near Curry Village around May 18 to seek immediate medical advice, noting rabies is fatal yet preventable.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Once parts are cut, technicians will use non-destructive sensors to inspect their internal density and geometry without touching the sensitive surfaces.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of touch

Verb

Minnesota prosecutors allege Castro fired through the front door of a Minneapolis home, striking Sosa-Celis while six people, including two children, were inside.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
The chip company closed a similar deal last month, striking a $6 billion structured agreement with Poolside, an open-weight model builder.

— Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of strike

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.

Browse Nearby Words

tell off

tell (on)

tells

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“Tell (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell%20%28on%29. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tell (on)

verb

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