1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it
eating oysters straight out of their shells
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in structure
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
3
as in exterior
an outer part or layer
the shell of the building is all glass, making it conspicuous on a street with mostly limestone facades
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of shell
Anna Schecter, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Other raw shell eggs sitting on a front line shelf measured a toasty 84 degrees.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Their diet likely included fish, shelled cephalopods and clams — prey that required both strength and precision to capture and consume.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shell
Noun
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters Monday that the shell casing from that shot stayed inside the shotgun.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Other raw shell eggs sitting on a front line shelf measured a toasty 84 degrees.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Orioles crushed the Red Sox pitching staff for six home runs, five of those coming off starting pitcher Brayan Bello, who got shelled for eight runs over 3 1/3 innings in the worst start of his career.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Their diet likely included fish, shelled cephalopods and clams — prey that required both strength and precision to capture and consume.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell
Noun
-
Their Bartolucci Vineyard 2021 has enticing aromas of cocoa powder, black raspberry, and red cherry that transition to flavors of blackberry, cassis, and pencil lead, all wrapped in a velvety tannic sheath.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
24 Apr. 2026
-
His conclusion created a possible opening for Kohberger’s defense to prevent the sheath — and the DNA found on it — from being introduced at trial, Turvey said.—
Kevin Fixler
April 23,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As the Moon moves into Capricorn this afternoon, attention shifts toward what works, what needs structure, and what can hold up over time.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
5 May 2026
-
There were signs of rodent entry in some structures on the couple’s property.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
The sign on the building’s exterior has been replaced by a banner from fellow local Mexican brand El Semáforo, which specializes in tacos and birria dishes.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
6 May 2026
-
The Abbey Resort Fontana, Wisconsin Set on 90 acres with a distinctive A-frame exterior, The Abbey Resort is Lake Geneva’s only full-service resort and boasts a long history as a Midwest vacation spot.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Before Paddack was bombed Sunday, the Marlins had no intention of promoting Garrett or Snelling or White immediately.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
4 May 2026
-
Trump claimed Friday that the law is a moot point because the United States is no longer bombing Iran.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Mejia dunks them in the fryer until the casing is a deep mahogany, taut and nearly splits.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
-
Multiple spent shell casings and a handgun were recovered in the parking lot.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Within this framework, Keiko positioned herself as a conservative political figure broadly aligned with pro-market economic policies and tough-on-crime positions, while seeking to distance herself, at least rhetorically, from the excesses of her father’s government.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 May 2026
-
His opponents mostly argue within the same framework, insisting the system should be fairer but still organized around the same ideals.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
In spite of their initial resistance, Didion’s writing pulls buried recollections to the surface.—
Maddie Connors,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Kay isn’t some kind of unhinged chaos agent or emotional thrill-seeker (well, maybe just a little), but rather an adventurous artist eager to dig deep beneath the surface.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
From the ungodly stuff leading to success, to setting a postseason record for appearances, to barking like a dog to fire up teammates, Varland is settling in.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
They were alerted when one of the two suspects allegedly tried to open the back door of the home but ran from the area after one of the homeowner's dogs started barking inside.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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