1
as in incantations
a spoken word or set of words believed to have magic power
the witch cast a spell that turned the prince into a toad
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in bouts
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder
a dizzy spell that caused me to fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in whiles
an indefinite but usually short period of time
come rest a spell
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1
as in possesses
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 means
to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind
that summertime combination of hot temperatures and equally hot tempers can spell trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spells
Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
These two Premier League head coaches are under the microscope due to prolonged spells of underwhelming results and performances, operating in increasingly pressurised environments with unhappy fanbases.
—Colin Millar, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
These perennial bulbs grow in zones 3-8, blooming in winter in the Lower South and often during warm spells in other zones in winter months.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
Economically, a less icy Arctic spells opportunity—new shipping routes and untapped fossil-fuel reserves.
—Brett Simpson, The Atlantic, 26 Dec. 2025
But when one of their daughters suddenly begins suffering from unexplained fainting spells, their choice is shaken and strange twists begin to happen.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Words become spells now, so use them wisely.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 2 Nov. 2025
In fact, Kansas had multiple instances of cold shooting spells, allowing Fort Hays State to stay within striking distance.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
The exhibition blends film nostalgia with modern technology, giving visitors a chance to cast spells through motion sensors, conjure their Patronus on a digital screen and test their potion making skills.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025
Tanya Melendez, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026
That spells good news for Boise State redshirt junior quarterback Maddux Madsen, who often looks at his best when given time in the pocket.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Dec. 2025
The birds have survived in hordes in the deserts, but civilization nearly always spells their doom.
—Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 Oct. 2025
And such prolific usage spells good things against the Panthers, who have struggled defending tight ends and running backs in the passing game this year.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
A lot of this occurs off-page, in contrast to the movie, which spells things out incredibly plainly.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Flacco represents an immediate upgrade at quarterback over Browning, and spells good news for fantasy football managers who have worried about the Bengals star wide receivers after a slow start to the season.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Sam Houston is 0-4 (bad), but the program spells Bearkats with a k (good).
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
That spells disaster, says Douglas Webber, emeritus professor of political science at the international business school lNSEAD, south of Paris.
—Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
Ideally, cuttings should be taken just after roses drop their leaves in fall or immediately before the flower buds begin to break in late winter; however, cuttings can be taken any time in winter as long as gardens aren’t experiencing spells of extreme cold.
—Verb
While a visit from Randy spells nothing but chaos, Flula Borg describes himself as the opposite.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for spells
Noun
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There’s a little bit of mystery with the spirits, incantations and rituals.—
Noun
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Singapore banks capped 2025 with another record year, as earnings came in stronger than expected and helped financial stocks rise more than 20% despite bouts of market volatility, said OCBC analysts on Tuesday.—
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Even short bouts of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, boost mood and strengthen the heart.—
Noun
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UCHealth’s decision to postpone surgeries whiles staff addressed the sterilization problem stands out from other hospitals that have found themselves in similar situations.—
Verb
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Warner possesses valuable European sports rights that would require government approvals to sell.—
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The governor of New York possesses the authority, under the state constitution and the New York City Charter, to remove mayors and other local officials from office.—
Verb
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Our first alert weather team says this 2025-2026 season is considered to be a La Niña year, and for California, that usually means drier conditions.—
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Thinking globally and acting locally means electing people of vision, not people who couldn't find their way out of a paper bag without a lobbyist lighting their way under the table, or down the wrong path where for-profit companies rule and teachers are scapegoated for society's failures.—
Noun
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In Jujutsu Kaisen, heroic jujutsu sorcerers wage war against demonic creatures called curses and the curse users, who wield jujutsu powers for evil.—
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And as relief from one of the greatest curses imaginable – chronic pain – the neuro-key may offer pain modulation without the expense, side effects, and addiction risk of opioids and systemic drugs.—
Noun
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The agency was established in 2003 after the 9/11 attacks.—
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Ukraine's security service said that five rescue workers suffered injuries while responding to the site of ongoing attacks.—
Noun
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Beyond the gong, other bits of prop comedy give them cover to dive into more controversial topics.—
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The live show — featuring a famed blue-skinned, apparently bald and mostly silent trio — will feature classic Blue Man Group routines plus new bits that will be exclusive to the Orlando production.—
Cite this Entry
“Spells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spells. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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