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
The time has come for decorating enthusiasts around Middle Tennessee to shine, and for area visitors ― and those of us who live nearby and enjoy scoping out Christmas decor, or getting a few ideas of our own to add in next year ― to see the fruits of their labors.
—
Nicole Young, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Nov. 2025
Comcast’s Roberts traveled to Saudi Arabia to scope out the potential of building a theme park there.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2025
The pair met up at a tapas bar — but not before Kelly’s friends had scoped out the spot and made sure Brunt looked like a good match.
—Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025
Jewelry advent calendars, on the other hand, will save all accessory addicts the hassle of having to scope out the perfect necklace, bracelet, or earrings set on their own.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scope out
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Nicole Young, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Nov. 2025
Comcast’s Roberts traveled to Saudi Arabia to scope out the potential of building a theme park there.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2025
The pair met up at a tapas bar — but not before Kelly’s friends had scoped out the spot and made sure Brunt looked like a good match.
—Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025
Jewelry advent calendars, on the other hand, will save all accessory addicts the hassle of having to scope out the perfect necklace, bracelet, or earrings set on their own.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scope out
Cite this Entry
“Scope out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scope%20out. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
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