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
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 shell
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025
Presumably there will be some sort of elevator or stairs installed to reach the top, and it'll all be wrapped in a glazed shell too, allowing it to be kept a comfortable temperature in all weather and lending a strangely futuristic appearance to the entire thing.
—New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2025
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Ukraine is also the breadbasket of Europe and Africa — when Russia is not shelling its remaining ports.
—Trudy Rubin, The Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell
Noun
Researchers estimate that more than 1,700 pounds of scallop shells were used to make the beads.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025
Presumably there will be some sort of elevator or stairs installed to reach the top, and it'll all be wrapped in a glazed shell too, allowing it to be kept a comfortable temperature in all weather and lending a strangely futuristic appearance to the entire thing.
—New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
This dust produces a ring or shell around the two massive stars, which then begins drifting outward.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Ukraine is also the breadbasket of Europe and Africa — when Russia is not shelling its remaining ports.
—Trudy Rubin, The Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell
Noun
-
State investigators went on to discover DNA on the sheath, which, after analysis that included FBI assistance, later came back as a statistical match to Kohberger, police and prosecutors allege.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Feb. 2025
-
First, Defendant abandoned any privacy interest in his DNA by disclaiming knowledge or ownership of the sheath from which the DNA was extracted.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
It’s also reinforced with water-resistant cedar battens that help the roof blend into the larger structure.—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
22 Feb. 2025
-
However, the project is still far from the $28-million goal for a new standalone structure.—
Hema Sivanandam,
The Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Not to mention the color, durability, extra storage, and waterproof exterior were perfect!—
Jennifer Vermeer,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The exterior of the machine just needs a wipedown with a damp cloth.—
Michelle Love,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Dusty blue velvet benches were piled against walls with peeling paint.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Chicago Fire is peeling back another layer of the onion that is Lizzy Novak.—
Vlada Gelman,
TVLine,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
To hear Trump tell it, Ukraine might as well be bombing its own cities and killing its own citizens.—
Susan B. Glasser,
The New Yorker,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Biden briefly paused a shipment of bombs to Israel over concerns that they would be used on an area where refugees were told to flee, only to resume military aid after Israel bombed the area.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA TODAY,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Officers detained one person at the scene, and investigators found some bullet casings possibly connected to the shooting in the area, Steinbroner said.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Built into the casing of the screen are two small speakers with an output of 3W per channel that’s useful for playing alerts but not strong enough to play music well.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
One that requires Europeans to carry their own weight, investing more in their own defense and deterrence capabilities, not apart from NATO but within its well-functioning framework.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
-
European leaders began work on Sunday on their own framework for peace.—
Alexandra Hutzler,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But the overwhelming sensation is one of gently sinking into the surface.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
27 Feb. 2025
-
In addition to evaluating new technologies and solutions to protect the expanding attack surface, companies must ensure that cyber foundations are in place.—
Mike Wilson,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share