spell 1 of 2

noun

Definition of spellnext
1
as in curse
a spoken word or set of words believed to have magic power the witch cast a spell that turned the prince into a toad

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2
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a dizzy spell that caused me to fall

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3
as in while
an indefinite but usually short period of time come rest a spell

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spell

2 of 2

verb

ˈspel How to pronounce spell (audio)
1
as in to possess
to cast a spell on it was as if he had spelled the public into believing his ridiculous claims

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to mean
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind that summertime combination of hot temperatures and equally hot tempers can spell trouble

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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 spell
Noun
Good Salt Restaurant Group’s Jason Chin is happy to put down his planning hat for a spell and cheer on the chefs. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 By 2004, that barren spell had stretched to a staggering 86 years, reinforcing the idea that Boston was somehow cursed - a notion that had become part of baseball folklore. — Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
That spelled the end of the amateurism model so familiar for decades in college sports. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 Dawn ends the resurrection spell in response, belying her own statement. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spell
  1. curse
  2. bout
  3. while
  4. possess
  5. mean
  6. incantation
  7. attack
  8. space
Noun
  • That was a full-length movie filmed in 2004 when the Red Sox were breaking their storied curse, and included Johnny Damon and other players in cameos.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The prince, Ashitaka, encounters a forest-dwelling young woman called San on his journey and the two become friends, teaming up to help save the forest and end his curse.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • Perhaps cognisant of the last time one of his fighters — fellow British heavyweight Fabio Wardley — was in a similar predicament during his bout against Dubois in May.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The bout ran eight rounds at two minutes each, contested at a super heavyweight limit of 110 kilograms.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of bout
Noun
  • The user also purported in the post that this has been going on for a while, or at least since the April 2025 killing of 17-year-old White teenager Austin Metcalf.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • All the while, Parton maintained a focus on her own songwriting.
    — Stephen L. Betts, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of while
Verb
  • Eisenhower possessed iron discipline, sunny self-confidence and a mind that loved organizational challenges.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Ticket sales Assembly Bill 1349 would prohibit sellers from offering or marketing tickets to concerts and sporting events by a person that doesn’t actually possess the ticket.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of possess
Verb
  • Sure, pedicures get more playtime over the summer, but that doesn’t mean your toes don’t deserve the same attention once temperatures drop.
    — Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Max leaves less than three hours before the new charter’s arrival, which means that Sandy is immediately on the phone with Norma from Yachting Staffing.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of mean
Noun
  • The Hoodoo tradition presumes a belief in a supernatural or spirit world that can be called upon for assistance, often through charms and incantations.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As passengers chanted the incantation together, white light flashed through the carriage, and music swelled from the speakers.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of incantation
Noun
  • Detectives charged him with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon for the vicious attack that killed his mother, 57-year-old Josefa Soto de Guzman, on Friday.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Just like Ejva, who suddenly needs to learn how to protect the herd and make her family proud, even when a violent attack leaves her struggling.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Assign the task, organize the space, or clarify the expectation.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The fragrance is a delicious mix of sweet, fruity, and floral, thanks to notes of citrus, agave, and jasmine, offering a bright and cheerful scent to your space.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of space

Phrases Containing spell

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speedy
spell
spellbind
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Cite this Entry

“Spell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spell. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spell

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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