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.
Zillions of people visit the plaza every year, seeing how their own hands and feet size up to those of the legends on display there. Corky Carroll, Oc Register, 13 June 2025 What to consider: Can be a bit tight, so try sizing up when purchasing if looking for looser wear. Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar, Glamour, 2 June 2025 Video Player 00:00 00:05 Minnesota was still down seven with fewer than eight minutes to play when Edwards sized up Reaves on the perimeter. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025 The days of walking into a room and sizing up the competition are long gone. Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 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 1 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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