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.
To maximize your comfort, some shoppers recommend buying a half-size up. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025 Shoppers recommended sizing up, as the material does not stretch. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025 One key reason the Nuggets pursued a reunion with Brown was to address their shortage of perimeter players who can size up with anyone like Dort and Caruso. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025 Bochy made a career of sizing up the opposing dugout, including his counterpart perched on the rail. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 6 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on size up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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