spell out

verb

spelled out; spelling out; spells out

transitive verb

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

• clarify
• clear (up)
• construe
• demonstrate
• demystify
• elucidate
• explain
• explicate
• expound
• get across
• illuminate
• illustrate
• interpret
• simplify
• unriddle

Examples of spell out in a Sentence

the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man

Recent Examples on the Web

That letter spelled out nearly $10 million in past damages, including legal fees. —Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024

In his detention order, Torres spelled out his reasoning for keeping Knezevich locked up before trial. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 18 June 2024

All warm wood and eggshell, its most prominent feature is a large poster spelling out the word JOY. —Belinda Luscombe / Kirkland, TIME, 18 June 2024

The new disclosure, which spells out ranges instead of exact dollar amounts, also reveals Adams got free tickets to the first match of last August’s US Open in Queens worth between $50 and $999. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 17 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spell out

verb

1

: to make very plain

our duties were spelled out

2

: to write or print in letters and in full