Synonyms for

Tells

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

Definition

To give an account or narrative of something to someone.

Synonyms & similar words

evidence tell narrate tellapart order recount differentiate secernate severalize williamtell enjoin secern separate say severalise distinguish recite state assure informs narrates relates recites reports utters expresses shares communicates discloses reveals confesses admits divulges betray implicate expose leak blab whisper

Synonyms by register

Formal

reveals discloses indicates demonstrates

Informal

shows gives away lets on spills the beans

Literary

betrays unveils manifests

Antonyms

hides conceals masks obscures withholds suppresses

Common collocations

  • tells the truth
  • tells a story
  • tells a lie
  • tells the time
  • tells you so
  • tells fortunes
  • tells jokes

Word family

noun tale
verb tell
adjective telling

Usage note

The verb 'tells' is the third-person singular present tense of 'tell'. It can mean to communicate information or to reveal something, often unintentionally.

Example sentences

  1. He tells me a joke every day.
  2. She tells her mom about her day at school.
  3. The news anchor tells the latest headlines.
  4. The teacher tells the students to be quiet.
  5. The detective tells the witness to recount what they saw.

Quotes

  • The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't being said. The art of reading between the lines is a life long quest of the wise. - Shannon L. Alder
  • A picture is worth a thousand words. An interface is worth a thousand pictures. - Ben Shneiderman
  • Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. - Benjamin Franklin

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