1
as in sheaths
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it
eating oysters straight out of their shells
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in structures
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form
workers at the shipyard have thus far erected the shell of the ship
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in exteriors
an outer part or layer
the shell of the building is all glass, making it conspicuous on a street with mostly limestone facades
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shells
Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
Scale insects appear as tiny brown shells on plants.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Fackler keeps a collection of shells in a complementary wooden tray to reflect nature indoors.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
In addition to sherpa lining, these jackets feature outer shells made of materials such as denim, cotton duck or even corduroy.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
To address this issue, researchers turned to chitin, a natural polymer found in crustacean shells and fungi.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025
While the kids dig in the sand, be sure to cool off with a dip in the water, look for dolphins playing in the waves, and search for shells.
—Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Why not pair a string of shells with a tailored coat?
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025
But a tide of enthusiasm ebbed away, leaving the shells of empty properties behind.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 2025
E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
Noun
Distinctive mounds of pretty pink conch shells tower over the waves, piled up over the centuries to create one of Anegada's most important landmarks.
—Verb
During the drive, a tank shells the car, killing most of the occupants.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for shells
Noun
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Nuts and fatty fishes, like salmon and sardines, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for building the insulating sheaths that surround the nerve fibers that carry information from one brain cell to another.—
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Taylor, then with her fourth husband Richard Burton, wanted to ditch her formal '50s style of long skirts and tasteful sheaths.—
Noun
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In all, more than 8,000 California wildfires blackened 525,223 acres, killed 31 people and burned 16,512 structures in the past year, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.—
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The Palisades fire killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,000 structures, becoming the third-most destructive fire in state history.—
Noun
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The rice had a satisfying crunch with a tahdig-like texture, and the chicken and veggies were juicy with crispy exteriors.—
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Other commended airports at the 2025 Prix Versailles included Marseille Provence Airport Terminal 1 in France for its interiors, and Portland International Airport Main Terminal in Oregon for its exteriors.—
Verb
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Low tides offer a look as the ocean peels back to give people a glimpse at the critters and plant life usually underwater.—
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Though the show peels back a layer or two in every episode, Barrera’s character remains a bit of a cipher.—
Verb
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If Venezuela and its region instead spiral into chaos and suffering, Trump will merely look like a bully, a president who cowers when facing the mighty — in Moscow or Beijing, say — but bombs those who can’t return fire, whether in Nigeria, Yemen or Venezuela.—
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Above, South Lake Tahoe ripper Emma Dayberry bombs through Kirkwood’s fabled Finger chutes, a quick traverse off of the Cornice Express six-pack chairlift.—
Noun
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Toney was found face down with two 9 mm shell casings near his body when officers responded to the scene.—
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Investigators recovered 16 casings on the scene and two handguns.—
Noun
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At the core of this approach is a carbon shell derived from covalent organic frameworks (COFs).—
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But ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods said there would need to be significant changes in the country’s legal and commercial frameworks in order to produce oil there.—
Noun
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If natural light isn't sufficient, install grow lights or use reflective surfaces.—
-
Outdoor Surfaces Magic Erasers are also very useful for outdoor surfaces.—
Cite this Entry
“Shells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shells. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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