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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
Fire-prevention programs spell out the number and locations of the building’s exits, identify combustible materials, lay out how workers would warn each other if a fire breaks out and ways to control a fire.
—Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2024
The single-letter shirts spelled out GOP STOP THE HATE.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 14 May 2024
As proposed, Related Bristol is consistent with Santa Ana’s laudable vision to create a model urban village with the character and appropriate density spelled out in the General Plan.
—Elizabeth Hansburg, Orange County Register, 9 May 2024
Most state laws also carve out exceptions to spell out the ways that dangerous or nuisance dogs can and should be treated.
—Monica Potts, ABC News, 8 May 2024
Weisselberg’s handwritten notes spell out a plan to pay Cohen $420,000, which included a base reimbursement that was then doubled to reflect anticipated taxes as well as a $60,000 bonus and an expense that prosecutors have described as a technology contract.
—Michael R. Sisak, Fortune, 7 May 2024
Under the terms of a deal spelled out in a 90-page draft agreement, data collected about Tik Tok users in the U.S. was to be handled by Oracle, the U.S. tech giant.
—Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024
But, spelled out or not, VPN technology is present.
—PCMAG, 30 Apr. 2024
But suspicions like those floated by Rosen could be confirmed or dispelled by following the procedures spelled out for that exact purpose in California’s Racial Justice Act.
—Ron Matthias, The Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2024
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 20 May. 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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