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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
Significant spells out for Martin Odegaard, Rodri (as well as almost all of Manchester City’s defenders) and Tottenham’s centre-backs have been the most high-profile absentees and have made games less predictable.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
The study — which coincided with a pause on issuing LNG export licenses — will spell out whether the DOE sees the need to halt or require more of project developers.
—Ben Geman, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024
Friends and family arranged candles to spell out Lanyah’s initials and offered prayers that the person responsible for her death would be found.
—Mike Schell, The Enquirer, 9 Dec. 2024
Blizzard developers even worked with Undaunted members to give the character a unique sign name, a special way to identify a person without fully spelling out their name in ASL.
—Ryan Easby, Rolling Stone, 29 Nov. 2024
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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 21 Dec. 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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