SHELLS Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

shells 1 of 2

noun

plural of shell

as in sheaths

something that encloses another thing especially to protect it eating oysters straight out of their shells

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in structures

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in exteriors

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

shells

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of shell

as in peels

to remove the natural covering of shelling peanuts

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as in bombs

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 shells

Noun

Mice with full-size rear shells can restrict in-hand corrections for some claw and fingertip players. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Built at an unprecedented pace, all ten structural shells were printed in just 58 days, keeping the entire project on a rapid nine-month timeline from initial contract award to final delivery. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026 Oceanwide got 60% done, which meant developers finished the shells of the buildings but had done no work inside. — Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Some species of the cephalopods lug coconut shells around for mobile shelter; others radically transform their bodies to mimic deadlier creatures. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 29 July 2026 Russian scientists collected spent artillery shells from World War II to source the huge amounts of brass needed for one of the particle detectors. — Lisa Song, CNN Money, 28 July 2026 Canales said that should benefit offensive linemen, who will have more surface to strike on shoulder pads than the shells players have been wearing during the acclimation period. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 July 2026 This style originated on the British Isles in the 18th century, and by the 20th century, it was brewed by adding the shells as a natural fining agent, which also changed its flavor. — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 24 July 2026 Juno has already used the same instrument to study Jupiter's moons Europa and Ganymede, where scientists believe vast oceans lie hidden beneath thick shells of ice. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2026

Verb

During the drive, a tank shells the car, killing most of the occupants. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shells

Noun

The research team says future versions may use adjustable sheaths or elastic materials to fit a wider range of bodies.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
To further the house’s connection to nature, Wright used flagstone flooring inside and out and employed large sheaths of glass windows for visual continuity.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026

Definition of sheaths

Noun

Donations can help raise awareness of historic structures and places across Colorado, structures similar to the Cherry Creek Arch Bridge.

— Karen Leigh, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
As more financing moves into customized private structures, investors and regulators will need to watch for opacity, concentration, and the temptation to confuse financial engineering with genuine economic productivity.

— Jim Zelter, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Definition of structures

Noun

Fortunately, the all-white exteriors will match just about everything in your suitcase—and right now these sneakers are on sale for just $50.

— Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026
The cabins’ sleek exteriors are a marvel, too, constructed from cedar by local builders.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Definition of exteriors

Noun

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
Prawn and black truffle dumplings are a joy, the shimmering black casings colored with charcoal powder and stuffed with toothsome shrimp.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of casings

Noun

Slip resistant surfaces can do the same, especially in bathrooms and on decks where bare feet meet wet flooring.

— Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Carpenter suggests applying it to vertical surfaces, or using soaked cotton balls in open glass jars (or poking holes in the lids to allow the fumes to escape).

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026