Phrase guide

spell things out

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To provide simple and understandable details.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • Here is an article that spells things out, so that it is easier to grasp.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To be explicit.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • It used to be that songs could not spell things out, but society is more liberal now.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.