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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That said, shoppers note that the sweater is tight-fitting and recommend sizing up for a looser fit, similar to Paltrow’s knit. Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025 Repot rosemary into a pot that’s one size up from the current one when the plant has doubled in size or its roots are visible through the drainage holes. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025 When sizing up our job, two of the companies came up with the same weight guestimate. Marni Jameson, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025 Available in sizes up to 3X, it’s designed to fit a variety of body types. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for size up

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Size up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/size%20up. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on size up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!