worked out

verb

past tense of work out
1
as in solved
to find an answer for through reasoning by putting our heads together, we were able to work out the problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in developed
to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort worked out a compromise between the warring factions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in succeeded
to turn out as planned or desired our plans for a ski vacation just didn't work out

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in calculated
to determine (a value) by doing the necessary mathematical operations after working out the cost of a college education, we've decided that it's never too early to start saving

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 worked out Kemeny said Bast had worked out an interface to get the rotating laser beams, microscopes, cameras, and myriad other components of the experiment to coordinate through a common interface. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 Although things worked out, the episode was yet another stark reminder of how exposed his business—and the broader college-athlete placement industry—has become to forces well beyond its control. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Cameramen raced around hectically setting up lights and checking shots as choreographers ran through fight sequences and a prop team worked out how to hoist a net that would later restrain a hostage. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 Donald worked out at Loyola Marymount when the Rams were in training camp, and last week at the Rams facility in Woodland Hills. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Only Faal, currently out on loan at Port Vale of League Two, among Wrexham’s six deadline-day signings in the past three summer windows can be said not to have worked out, suggesting patience is usually rewarded at this time of year. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Kodai Senga worked out of a two-out, two-on jam in the ninth, striking out Abimelec Ortiz to record his second save. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 White Sox reliever Grant Taylor, who got the final out of the sixth, worked out of a jam in the seventh by striking out Durbin to leave runners on the corners. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 But major details still need to be worked out, according to Reuters. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worked out
  1. solved
  2. developed
  3. succeeded
  4. calculated
  5. answered
  6. forged
  7. went
  8. figured
Verb
  • Longer life is the achievement of our era, not a problem to be solved.
    — Jon Sabes, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • While some of the Killing Fields cases outside of League City have been solved, many have not.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of solved
Verb
  • As in the previous episode, Samir’s internal conflict is the least developed here.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Equine therapy has also developed into an effective element of Grief Journeys, which reflect a growing interest in travel centered on healing and personal transformation.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of developed
Verb
  • Extravagantly bewigged, boldly buxom, and graced with a peerless, vibrato-laden soprano voice, the exuberant Parton succeeded a hit-making early career in partnership with vocalist Porter Wagoner with a long series of solo hits.
    — Chris Morris, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Armstrong, meanwhile, succeeded Wade at McNeese, where he was hired by former athletic director Heath Schroyer, who has since become LSU’s senior deputy AD.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of succeeded
Verb
  • Once the ratings period ends, the average score is calculated to determine the final ratings.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Those estimates are necessary to build financial aid packages, but the cost of living can change in the months between when the numbers are calculated and when students arrive on campus.
    — Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of calculated
Verb
  • An officer walked around the building, rang the doorbell, and when no one answered, the agents departed, the agency added.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The company also says distressed callers got their calls answered up to 40 seconds faster on average.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of answered
Verb
  • This month, for example, Saudi Arabia forged a mutual defense pact with Pakistan and Turkey.
    — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
  • For this filmmaking couple, reaching maturity as artists forged in the complex context of a modern colony hinges on acknowledging their limitations and still persevering.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of forged
Verb
  • The Sox went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left 14 on base while falling in the opener of the four-game series.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Other questions still linger, including where Lahti’s car went.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of went
Verb
  • Russell was told to move over for Antonelli on lap 65 as Mercedes figured the young championship leader had a better chance of beating Norris’ McLaren.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Cowing figured to be this season’s front-runner to replace Skyy Moore, who left in free agency for Green Bay.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of figured

Browse Nearby Words

worked (on)
worked out
worked over
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Worked out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worked%20out. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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