sort out
Britishverb
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to find a solution to (a problem, etc), esp to make clear or tidy
it took a long time to sort out the mess
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to take or separate, as from a larger group
he sorted out the most likely ones
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to organize into an orderly and disciplined group
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informal to beat or punish
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Kansanback said dealers handle the tax and registration logistics routinely and have web-based tools to sort out what’s required state by state.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026
Greer also said U.S. officials have been talking with their Chinese counterparts about setting up a “board of trade” to sort out nonsensitive trade issues to clear the way for talks on “the sticky issues.”
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
Most of my book is devoted to trying to sort out this political enigma, and how the movement and its consequences might be understood.
From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026
"Hopefully it'll be beautiful and we'll be relying on them to sort out the weather," she said.
From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026
“So what says the croaker? Did you sort out the horse?” he asks jovially, coming to a stop in front of me.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
