Synonyms for

Shell

Verb / ʃel / Another word for shell — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a hard outer covering of some animals, such as turtles and snails

Synonyms & similar words

case carapace shield racingshell blast beat beatout casing crush husk plate scale cuticle vanquish trounce eggshell carapace case covering crust exoskeleton hull pod sheath shield skin scale armor encasement shuck wrapper cocoon capsule husk pericarp rind

Synonyms by register

Formal

exoskeleton casing husk integument

Informal

skin peel rind coat

Literary

carapace armor

Antonyms

core center interior inside heart essence

Common collocations

  • empty shell
  • sea shell
  • shell casing
  • shell game
  • shell out
  • shell shock
  • shell corporation
  • shell out money

Word family

noun shell
verb shell

Usage note

As a noun, 'shell' often refers to the hard outer covering of an animal or object. As a verb, it can mean to bombard with artillery or to remove from a shell.

Example sentences

  1. I picked up a beautiful shell on the beach.
  2. The turtle retreated into its shell.
  3. The snail left a trail of slime on the shell.
  4. The hermit crab found a new shell to live in.
  5. The sea otter used a rock to crack open the shell.

Quotes

  • For every shell there is a season.
  • A shell is only a home when the heart is inside.
  • A shell is only beautiful when it is empty.

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