1
as in to describe
to give an oral or written account of in some detail
they told the story of how they had met
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to say
to express (a thought or emotion) in words
just tell us what is in your heart
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in to inform
to give information to
tell me, when did you begin playing the violin?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to instruct
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority
told us to sit still and wait
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to reveal
to make known (as information previously kept secret)
I won't tell your secret to anyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tell
The broader Asia-Pacific region tells a similar story.
—
Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Set in Varanasi and Delhi, the film tells the story of Hindu boy Kundan’s unrequited love for Muslim girl Zoya, ending tragically with Kundan’s death.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 July 2025
The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
We were told that hundreds of deals were in the making.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell
Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Set in Varanasi and Delhi, the film tells the story of Hindu boy Kundan’s unrequited love for Muslim girl Zoya, ending tragically with Kundan’s death.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 July 2025
The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
We were told that hundreds of deals were in the making.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell
Verb
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The Grand Canyon has never been adequately described in words or music notes.—
Tom Zoellner,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
-
Status Indian is the Canadian term used to describe those still governed under the Indian Act of 1876.—
Tanya Talaga
July 24,
Literary Hub,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Ogwumike said during Thursday’s CBA media availability that the league did pose ideas regarding extending the season.—
Ben Pickman,
New York Times,
20 July 2025
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The consistency of officiating has been a topic players and coaches have been discussing a lot this season, and Engelbert said the league is aware and will evaluate it.—
Doug Feinberg,
Chicago Tribune,
20 July 2025
Verb
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Endowment payouts count as revenue for accounting purposes, even when the effect is to diminish an institution’s assets.—
Clifford Ando,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
His All-Star start at Citi Field in New York — as one of six Tigers’ All-Stars, not counting AL (and Tigers) manager Jim Leyland — went a bit smoother, albeit in just one inning of work.—
Ryan Ford,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Post-Earnings Positioning: Conversely, traders can wait for the earnings announcement and then evaluate the relationship between immediate and medium-term returns to inform their subsequent trading actions.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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For over 50 years, Travel + Leisure has informed and inspired millions of travelers, offering practical advice, essential travel news, and personal narratives from our network of on-the-ground writers around the world.—
Jamie Hergenrader,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Last week, Trump instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to begin the process of unsealing grand jury materials in the Epstein case.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
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Suppose your child’s teacher, under the guise of creating a welcoming classroom, instructed the 6-year-olds to choose their own ethnicities.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
22 July 2025
Verb
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As The Washington Post reported, a study of 500 large companies revealed that last year saw the fewest DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) references in corporate financial statements since 2020.—
Time,
Time,
23 July 2025
-
In a clip revealing Season Five’s release date, Gomez, Martin, and Short barely make it through the announcement without cracking each other up.—
Althea Legaspi,
Rolling Stone,
23 July 2025
Verb
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One of Moschini’s last major projects was Interno Marche, a hotel and cultural initiative that narrates the history of Italian and international design through the last 60 years and beyond.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
15 July 2025
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Penned by Edén Muñoz and released originally by Calibre 50 in 2017, Aguilar released his version of the heartfelt corrido that poignantly narrates the immigrant experience.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Who were your favorites to see walk on set? Sandler: None of them would talk to Julie.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
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Police shared links to two videos on the Heston James Instagram account that showed Cobb talking to employees at two different businesses, including what appeared to be a Chipotle and an auto repair shop.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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