sorted out; sorting out; sorts out
1
: to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking
I'm trying to sort out a way to do it.
2
: to find an answer or solution for (something)
He's still trying to sort out his problems.
We need to get these problems sorted out as soon as possible.
They couldn't come up with a solution and decided to wait to see whether problem sorted itself out.
3
: to solve the problems of (someone)
They're still trying to sort their son out.
I just need a little more time to sort myself out.
4
British, informal
: to deal in a forceful way with (someone who is causing problems)
I told my brother they were bullying me, and he promised to sort them out (for me).
British
: an activity in which someone makes a room, closet, etc., neat and organized
Let's have a sort-out of the attic.
Examples of sort out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
As the federal government shutdown continues, some school districts on federal lands in Wisconsin are scrambling to sort out their finances.
—Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
What’s difficult is sorting out whether tariffs, inflation or a mix of factors are boosting costs, Franke said.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025
Cameras, surely, would be helpful in sorting out what really has been happening.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sort out
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Phrasal verb
Trump travels to Tokyo on Monday to meet new Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi, and sorting out this confusion will no doubt be at the top of her agenda.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
As the federal government shutdown continues, some school districts on federal lands in Wisconsin are scrambling to sort out their finances.
—Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
What’s difficult is sorting out whether tariffs, inflation or a mix of factors are boosting costs, Franke said.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025
Cameras, surely, would be helpful in sorting out what really has been happening.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sort out
Cite this Entry
“Sort out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sort%20out. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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