shell 1 of 2

noun

ˈshel How to pronounce shell (audio)
Definition of shellnext
1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it eating oysters straight out of their shells

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form workers at the shipyard have thus far erected the shell of the ship

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3
as in exterior
an outer part or layer the shell of the building is all glass, making it conspicuous on a street with mostly limestone facades

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shell

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to peel
to remove the natural covering of shelling peanuts

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2
as in to bomb
to use bombs or artillery against the enemy shelled the city for days without letup

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of shell
Noun
The chain’s Taco Bravo earned the top spot thanks to its combination of seasoned beef, cheddar cheese and lettuce inside a crunchy taco shell. — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 There wasn't even money to demolish the building, so the rivers of humanity who once flowed through the grand space were replaced by voyeurs from the world come to gawk at its cavernous shell. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Verb
In a new report, NPR's Anas Baba and Aya Batrawy document what daily life looks like for families trapped between expanding military zones, with shelling at night, gunfire by day and nowhere safe to go. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 July 2026 For homemade, combine ¾ cup sugar, ¾ cup water, ½ cup shelled and toasted pistachios and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. — Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell
  1. sheath
  2. structure
  3. exterior
  4. bark
  5. bomb
  6. casing
  7. framework
  8. surface
Noun
  • Alcaraz is managing tenosynovitis, an injury in which fluid accumulates in the sheath that protects a key tendon in the wrist.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Almost seven weeks after the crime, genetic genealogy linked DNA on a knife sheath to Kohberger, a PhD student in criminology at nearby Washington State University.
    — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 30 July 2026
Definition of sheath
Noun
  • What the difference in brain structure between liberals and conservatives?
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Because of Micron’s corporate structure, the company needed to take the exemption two times, requiring it to pay on a maximum of $800 million in assessed value, according to Brad Smith, chief deputy at the Ada County Assessor’s Office.
    — Mark Dee August 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • In collaboration with artist Niki Haas, the space features elegant marble furnishings while its exterior is classic brick.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • Built as a private residence by architect Walter Thomas Brooks and his family, the structure stands out for its prism-like exterior and a site plan that makes the lot part garden, part rugged hillside stage with Bay views.
    — David Caraccio Updated July 30, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of exterior
Verb
  • The greatest shooter ever stood on the hardwood where Patel would soon blow his whistle and bark out plays.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Her dog barked, and Vera went to say hello, scratching the mutt between the ears.
    — Eric Boodman, STAT, 31 July 2026
Definition of bark
Verb
  • Elsewhere, Israel bombed the Gaza Strip and the Syrian president met in Damascus with the Iraqi Kurdish regional leader over security concerns.
    — Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • In 2003, Libya formally took responsibility for bombing Pan Am 103.
    — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
Definition of bomb
Noun
  • That'd make for an elite addition to any EDC loadout, especially in 90s-style transparent casing.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators recovered numerous pieces of evidence, including pieces of clothing, fired shell casings, DNA swabs and bullet fragments collected from Cherry’s body, according to the report.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of casing
Noun
  • Under the framework, individual project task statements will set the technical scope, funding, deliverables, and schedule for specific activities.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Right now, America has some of the world’s best innovators building the next generation of financial infrastructure onchain, yet for years they’ve been forced to navigate a regulatory framework defined more by lawsuits than legislation.
    — Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • The eclipse path also passes close to Earth’s equator, where the surface rotates faster.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Later, the Aries Moon enters your 8th House of Intimacy, pushing the real issue closer to the surface.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of surface

Phrases Containing shell

Browse Nearby Words

shekels
shell
shellac
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Cite this Entry

“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shell

Nglish: Translation of shell for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shell

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