scope out
phrasal verb
scoped out; scoping out; scopes out
US, informal
: to look at (someone or something) especially in order to get information
They scoped out the area before setting up the tent.
Players were scoping out the competition.
He wants to scope out all of the possibilities before deciding what to do.
Examples of scope out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In further conversations with agents, Philippi allegedly requested explosive-making materials and detailed a plot to carry out an attack, including how to scope out potential lookout locations, disguises to wear during the attack and how to dispose of them afterwards, and evidence destruction.
—
Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
Shoppers lately are scoping out big-ticket items at four or five retailers before making a purchase, sometimes visiting physical stores before placing an order online, Jessica Moulton, a McKinsey senior partner, told CNBC on Monday.
—J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024
There will also be plenty of time in the hilly countryside, visiting farms, going for hikes, and scoping out the sauna scene.
—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024
Tina Reed Jul 9, 2024 - Health Weight-loss drugs could become a test case for AI
Two of the buzziest technology trends in health care — artificial intelligence and weight-loss drugs — appear to be converging as companies increasingly scope out the potential to capitalize on both.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scope out 
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Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
Shoppers lately are scoping out big-ticket items at four or five retailers before making a purchase, sometimes visiting physical stores before placing an order online, Jessica Moulton, a McKinsey senior partner, told CNBC on Monday.
—J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024
There will also be plenty of time in the hilly countryside, visiting farms, going for hikes, and scoping out the sauna scene.
—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024
Tina Reed Jul 9, 2024 - Health Weight-loss drugs could become a test case for AI
Two of the buzziest technology trends in health care — artificial intelligence and weight-loss drugs — appear to be converging as companies increasingly scope out the potential to capitalize on both.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scope out
Dictionary Entries Near scope out
Cite this Entry
“Scope out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scope%20out. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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