tells

present tense third-person singular of tell
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as in counts
to find the sum of (a collection of things) by noting each one as it is being added who can tell the number of grains of sand in the world?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Examples 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 tells Jamie gives him a lethal stare and tells him to go away. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 4 Jan. 2025 Killers Of The Flower Moon A brilliant, heartbreaking true story, Killers of the Flower Moon tells the story of the Osage people and the greedy men who try to rob them of their wealth after oil is discovered on their tribal lands. Erik Kain, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 Unrepentant, a new book by Peter Edwards, tells the story of Campbell—now in his 60s—from his violent upbringing and hard-partying ways, to a relentless dedication to the biker lifestyle. Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 By Monica Sager Live News Reporter 10 North Carolina Representative Virginia Foxx fell while walking down the marble staircase outside the House chamber, her communications team tells Newsweek. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025 Final Thoughts As 2024 draws to a close, the year in energy tells a story of innovation and ongoing transformation. Robert Rapier, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024 The Netflix movie, directed by Tyler Perry, tells the story of Adams Earley and her battalion's grit and resourcefulness during the mail sorting assignment. Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 24 Dec. 2024 Moving onto the finale, where Paul tells Jimmy to face his shame and fear with Alice. Jim Halterman, Variety, 24 Dec. 2024 Historic New Orleans Collection This is a museum, research center, and publisher that was founded in the 1960s and tells the story of New Orleans and the Gulf South through exhibitions, original texts, and its public research center. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tells
Verb
  • This involves completing a form that describes the bag, collects your contact and delivery info, etc.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • The report describes that authorities continued to observe the property through aerial surveillance.
    KFOX Staff, Baltimore Sun, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Rather, his supporters say that Montgomery was the first to understand and demonstrate the physics and control that still informs modern flight.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025
  • That’s why another function of the department is to collect information and data, which then informs research and decision-making.
    Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The bill instructs the convening of an 11-member council with appointments made by the president and leaders in both parties to include academic experts, researchers, parents, youth representatives and others who are well-versed in social media and online safety.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The tablet also instructs adherents to worship on Mount Gerizim, a holy site for Samaritans, near the modern-day city of Nablus.
    Sarah Ventre, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The report reveals that the number of missing children may be even higher, as ICE did not issue Notices to Appear (NTAs) for 291,000 children, leaving them without court dates and outside the formal immigration system.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Americans have strong thoughts on Christmas cookies, new Google Trends data reveals — and one cookie in particular has made spirits bright across many states.
    Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This song anchors the album and also speaks to the current state of the world.
    Vogue, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
  • That speaks to some of the nuances some of the current and former players brought up, echoed by fans online.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • To prepare for the cold temperatures, NWS advises residents to exercise caution while traveling, dress appropriately, keep pets indoors as much as possible, and do not use generators or grills inside.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Because of the storm, the weather service advises that Sunday travel will be difficult, if not impossible.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Young asks if the potential customer has a corporate sponsor and cites companies including Audible and Bloomberg as clients.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Advertisement The suit asks the courts to block the law from going into effect.
    Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In full transparency, Tuttle discloses that they’ve been romantically involved.
    Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 22 Dec. 2024
  • The centerpiece of the site is a database that discloses the name, location, focus area, and - with the permission of the grantee - the size of all 2,524 grants that Scott has given since 2020.
    David Bowermaster, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near tells

Cite this Entry

“Tells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tells. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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