shell out

verb

Definition of shell outnext
as in to spend
to hand over or use up in payment we shelled out an obscene amount of money for those concert tickets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 out That’s a fraction of what studios typically shell out to promote films. — Brent Lang, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 This helps keep caregivers from having to shell out their own money. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 Fox paid $485 million for the rights to the 2026 World Cup, while Telemundo shelled out $600 million for the Spanish-language telecasts. — Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 The couple had to shell out approximately $4,000 before they were allowed to leave the ship. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shell out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell out
  1. spend
  2. pay
  3. lay out
Verb
  • Maurice Alexander, who had some impressive moments last summer and then spent the season on the practice squad, had three catches for 42 yards and a score.
    — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The statues of Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, spend the better part of a decade behind closed shutters.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of spend
Verb
  • The settlement will be paid by Hyundai Mobis, Kia and local staffing and recruitment agencies that helped find and bring the immigrant workers to Georgia on temporary visas.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The records involve consulting work, paid for with public funds.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of pay
Verb
  • Set out cereal bowls, portion out fruit, prep overnight oats or lay out ingredients for a quick egg the night before.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Tuesday’s first two episodes lay out again what happened before the news first broke.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 28 July 2026
Definition of lay out

Browse Nearby Words

shelling out
shell out
shells
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell%20out. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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