Sense group 1 is now most often found with words bearing a sense of ability, such as can tell or one way to tell. For many of the senses of tell, the word show would have a contrasting meaning, and in other senses, it would have a nearly identical meaning. Some common synonyms of tell are betray, disclose, divulge, and reveal. While all these words mean to make known what has been or should be concealed, tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information. Define tell. tell synonyms, tell pronunciation, tell translation, English dictionary definition of tell. v. told , tell·ing , tells v. tr. 1. a. To communicate by speech or writing; express with words: She told him that the store was closed. Tell me the truth. If you can tell one thing from another, you are able to recognize the difference between it and other similar things. I can't really tell the difference between their policies and ours. [V n + between] How do you tell one from another? [VERB noun + from] I had to look twice to tell which was Martin; the twins were almost identical. [VERB wh] To tell is to describe or announce something, either by speaking or writing. If you're going to be late to a movie, you should tell your friends so they can save you a seat. TELL definition: 1. to say something to someone, often giving them information or instructions: 2. to say…. Learn more. Definition of tell verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. The meaning of TELL is to relate in detail : narrate. How to use tell in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Tell. To tell is to describe or announce something, either by speaking or writing. If you're going to be late to a movie, you should tell your friends so they can save you a seat. TELL meaning: 1. to say something to someone, often giving them information or instructions: 2. to say…. Learn more.