measure up

verb

measured up; measuring up; measures up

intransitive verb

1

: to have necessary or fitting qualifications

—often used with to

2

: to be the equal (as in ability)

—used with to

Synonyms

• compare (with)
• approximate
• stack up (against or with)
• reflect
• approach
• hold a candle to
• match

Examples of measure up in a Sentence

he always worried about measuring up to his older brother

Recent Examples on the Web

Novibipalium koreanum has distinctive dark stripes running the length of its body and can measure up to 2 inches long, the study said. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025

However, gopher snakes tend to be a bit bigger than rattlesnakes — typically measuring up to 8 feet in length. —Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025

What could measure up to the occasion? —Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025

Wondering how your relationship measures up to these criteria? —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for measure up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

measure up

verb

1

: to have necessary or fitting qualifications

2

: to be the equal (as in ability)

—used with to