Find Synonyms

tell Synonyms

Another word for tell

Choosing another word for tell depends on context, so the 49 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 7 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To communicate information, facts, or news to someone in spoken or written words.

Usage Example

"Please inform the committee what you discovered during the audit."

Strongest
inform
notify
Strong
apprise
advise
relate
recount
report
communicate
disclose
divulge

• verb (Context 2)

To order, instruct, or advise someone to do something.

Usage Example

"The physician told him to rest his injured knee for at least two weeks."

Strongest
instruct
order
direct
Strong
command
advise
charge
enjoin
bid
require

• verb (Context 3)

To determine, recognize, or distinguish with certainty by observing evidence or differences.

Usage Example

"Even experts sometimes struggle to distinguish the genuine painting from the forgery."

Strongest
distinguish
discern
differentiate
Strong
determine
ascertain
recognize
identify
make out
perceive
deduce

• noun (Context 4)

An unconscious gesture, facial expression, or behavioral habit that inadvertently betrays a person's true thoughts, intentions, or emotions, especially in poker or negotiations.

Usage Example

"The veteran poker player noticed his opponent's subtle giveaway whenever he was bluffing."

Strongest
giveaway
Strong
clue
cue
signal
indicator
Weak
sign

• verb (Context 5)

To produce a noticeable, significant, or detrimental effect over time (often followed by 'on').

Usage Example

"Months of sleepless nights and intense pressure finally began to register on her health."

Strong
register
show
weigh
count
matter

• noun (Context 6)

An artificial archaeological mound in the Middle East and western Asia formed by the accumulated remains and debris of ancient human settlements built successively on the same site over centuries.

Usage Example

"Archaeologists excavated several distinct Bronze Age layers within the ancient tepe in northern Syria."

Strongest
tepe
Strong
mound
Weak
hillock

• verb (Context 7)

To count, reckon, or enumerate items one by one (now chiefly in set expressions or relating to counting votes).

Usage Example

"The parliamentary clerks were appointed to count the votes after the debate concluded."

Strongest
count
tally
enumerate
Strong
reckon
number
total
add up
tabulate

Opposites of tell

The opposite of tell shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

withhold
conceal
confuse
mix up
hide
suppress
keep back
conflate
See all opposites of tell

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Tell. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/tell
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