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 From Andrew Greif: A game featuring 10 players suddenly became a spotlight on just two during Monday’s opening quarter, as Clippers guard James Harden sized up the defense of San Antonio rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama at the top of the three-point arc. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2023 This bra comes in six colors and is available in band sizes up to 38 and cup sizes up to DD. Courtney Leiva, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2023 What to Consider Consider sizing up for a looser fit. Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2023 Tubes come in sizes up to about 20 feet long, meaning they can sometimes be used in lower levels of two-story buildings. Jennifer Barger, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2023 The tension any time Lucy is sizing up either her husband or her husband’s special friend is one of the best things in Fellow Travelers. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2023 In the sixth inning, Tatis sized up a drive from Michael Siani. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2023 Our favorite yoga pant in particular is the Compressive Pocket Legging, which comes in sizes up to 6XL and is available in two inseam options (28.5 and 23.75 inches). Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 24 Oct. 2023 At $119 for a twin size up to $179 for an extra long king, this blanket falls somewhere in the middle of the best blankets on our list in terms of cost. Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2023 See More

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 2 Dec. 2023.

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