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.
The filing doesn’t name the bank or spell out the loan’s terms. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 The settlement also spelled out plans for a memorial bench honoring Sophia’s life at San Felipe Community Park in Fairview, just outside of Hayward’s city limits. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 How some suspicious enrollments will be removed is spelled out in emails sent in June to insurance carriers and obtained by KFF Health News. — Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 Many of the features that make Head Start distinct from mainstream preschools are spelled out in 122 pages of performance standards. — ABC News, 3 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 8 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on spell out

Nglish: Translation of spell out for Spanish Speakers

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