size up

verb

sized up; sizing up; sizes up

transitive verb

: to form a judgment of
size up the situation

Examples of size up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web My usual 2x was perfect, so don’t worry about sizing up. Sarah Chiwaya, refinery29.com, 17 Sep. 2024 Kabul was the disaster that set off a string of geopolitical setbacks for America and the West, with Putin and the ayatollah sizing up this White House — and liking their odds. The Editors, National Review, 10 Sep. 2024 To note: the brand recommends sizing up half a size for optimal fit. Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Sep. 2024 My pulse quickened, my cheeks felt flushed, and my eyes were desperate to dart and size up the pot. Idrees Kahloon, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for size up 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'size up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of size up was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near size up

Cite this Entry

“Size up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/size%20up. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on size up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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