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.
Miami Dolphins fans can get this shirt in black, with the Dolphins' logo on the front in sizes up to 5XL. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025 This versatile jute rug in any size up to 4x6' is far under $500 this Labor Day weekend. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2025 But people sizing up the incoming regime wondered whether Stewart was really in charge. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 With how the Atlantic is sizing up, confidence is dwindling in regards to how far this team can go. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 20 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on size up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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