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spell out
verb
spelled out; spelling out; spells out
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
Examples of spell out in a Sentence
the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
Recent Examples on the Web
Allegations spelled out The May 14 filing claims Williams' business partner, referred to as Female 4, opened shell companies disguised as subcontractors and transferred thousands of dollars from Williams' business, Glass and Concrete Contracting LLC.
—CBS News, 31 May 2024
In 1993, the Kansas Court of Appeals sided with the taxpayers, finding the law allows for and spells out a wide range of acceptable activity — all aimed at the production of plants, animals or horticultural products.
—Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2024
The agreement, described in a joint statement by the two countries’ militaries, spells out the terms of the pullout that the Biden administration announced last month.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 19 May 2024
The law at the time was vague, exempting people who occasionally sold guns as a hobby but not spelling out how many sales was too many.
—Eduardo Medina, New York Times, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for spell out
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spell out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near spell out
Cite this Entry
“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spell%20out. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
spell out
verb1
: 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
Britannica English: Translation of spell out for Arabic Speakers
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