tell

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as in to count
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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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb tell differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of tell are betray, disclose, divulge, and reveal. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

Where would betray be a reasonable alternative to tell?

While in some cases nearly identical to tell, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When would disclose be a good substitute for tell?

The words disclose and tell can be used in similar contexts, but disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When might divulge be a better fit than tell?

Although the words divulge and tell have much in common, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

In what contexts can reveal take the place of tell?

The meanings of reveal and tell largely overlap; however, reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

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 tell Fast-forward to today, and the experts now tell us students may ... James V. Shuls, National Review, 20 Apr. 2025 In Leech, a parasitic hive mind that infests people discovers another parasitic hive mind that infests people, competing for the same brain space (told in first-person from the POV of the former parasitic hive mind). Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 At the time, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE that officers reported to an incident in the Encino area, where a source confirmed Kyle owned a home Kim had been staying in. Esther Kang, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Dougherty studies the impact of exercise on dementia risk, and told Health that losing weight can be one way to lower the risk of cognitive issues. Kristen Fischer, Health, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell
Verb
  • The problem described in the lawsuit is that even for domestic travel, if a driver's license and passport identify a person by different sexes, Transportation Security Administration officials accuse the person of holding a fraudulent document.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Born in Naples, his songs are described as a blend of Neapolitan, blues, jazz and world music.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The once-daily version of the pill was in early-stage testing, with researchers trying to figure out the best dose for patients, a spokeswoman said.
    Time, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Authorities with State Police Troop C in Gray, Louisiana, said Lacy fled the scene of the accident without calling for help.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • We've been spoiled by laptop battery life over the last year or two; almost 14 hours now counts as merely average.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • To hydrate the skin of his body, Momoa counts on Triumph & Disaster’s restorative body balm.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By staying informed and adaptable, banks can responsibly explore stablecoin applications, positioning themselves for longer-term relevance and success in an increasingly digital financial world.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Our customers seek to be informed, guided and cared for.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Hippler concluded in another Friday order that jurors will be instructed on what evidence to consider in determining guilt or innocence, and that Kohberger’s demeanor during trial is not one of the aspects they’re allowed to consider.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Hasn’t instructed the front office to sign one free agent.
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In September 2023, another investigation with Webb – an advanced telescope launched in 2021 outfitted with powerful infrared instruments – revealed something more: traces of carbon-bearing molecules in K2-18b's atmosphere, including methane and carbon dioxide.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Excerpts of Michel’s interviews with McVeigh reveal a man who is still bitter from enduring bullying as a young child.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Claire Danes narrates the exclusive Audible audiobook version, and new subscribers can try Audible Premium Plus for only 99 cents for their first three months; learn more about the limited-time Audible deal here.
    Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Vaughn narrates his come-up and reflects on navigating the stresses of his relationships with his parents.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And the volunteer who can’t write a check but has spent every weekend knocking on doors and talking to neighbors about this campaign’s promise of a better future for Fort Worth.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • While talking to news outlet WIVB in April 2025, Allen said that the movie will have an emphasis on Jessie's journey.
    Maddie Garfinkle, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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