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
Nolan announced his return after scoping out the transfer landscape, as did Texas State running backs Greg Burrell and Jaylen Jenkins.
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Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Ahead, scope out 10 brand new fragrance launches R29 editors are currently loving and wearing this January and beyond.
—Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 27 Jan. 2026
Some Gladstone residents posted to social media Sunday that ICE agents could be seen around town knocking on doors, walking through people’s lawns and scoping out neighborhoods.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
Joyce, who joined Metro in 2023, led the HOME team that scoped out unhoused folks riding the buses and trains as mobile shelters and connected with shelter and housing providers.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scope out
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Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Ahead, scope out 10 brand new fragrance launches R29 editors are currently loving and wearing this January and beyond.
—Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 27 Jan. 2026
Some Gladstone residents posted to social media Sunday that ICE agents could be seen around town knocking on doors, walking through people’s lawns and scoping out neighborhoods.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
Joyce, who joined Metro in 2023, led the HOME team that scoped out unhoused folks riding the buses and trains as mobile shelters and connected with shelter and housing providers.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
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 29 Jan. 2026.
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