makes out

Definition of makes outnext
present tense third-person singular of make out
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as in derives
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information as best as I can make out, the police were informed of the incident but didn't think it was worth investigating

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of makes out Even Fraser makes out with Rainbeau and Damo. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for makes out
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Annie as played by Tess Barthélémy copes in two ways with being surrounded by caricaturish oppressors.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
  • Another interesting storyline will be how El Hadji Malick Diouf copes with Saka’s attacking threat down the Arsenal right.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Nobody knows how often adverse events occur, said Kristen Nixon, a Johns Hopkins University researcher who has studied posts about weight loss drugs on Reddit, a popular online forum.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
  • She’s made a career out of being a normal person who knows a lot about technology but never gets carried away by sci-fi fantasies.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • In each new place, Charlie pretends to be Layla, hoping to ensnare an unsuspecting Stanley into his web of deceit.
    Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
  • Elsa argues with her mother, Isabel doesn’t like to be questioned and pretends everything’s all right, while Amalia hangs with dodgy characters and makes claims that seem real only to her.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • Cultural relevance often derives from identity, community, and a sense of belonging.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • The sauce derives its exciting flavor from a unique ingredients blend featuring pickles, chilis, mustard, mayo and onion.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Rebecca Makkai’s 2018 historical fiction novel The Great Believers, certainly comes to mind, as does Hanya Yanagihara’s 2023 novel To Paradise.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Her multi-club network carries a lot of clout, as does her wealth.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Leppla understands people’s frustration with the creatures but defends them, to a point.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
  • If your product has integrations, features or data flows that nobody fully understands anymore, or that only one person can explain, there is a structural risk.
    Dan Haiem, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Now, technology decides everything.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Deborah decides to pursue treatment after all, if only to buy enough time to work a little more.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Being self-Aware – recognizes how personal behavior impacts others and stays mindful of one’s own motives, values, and reactions.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • The three-day CrimeCon, held this year at Caesars Palace, recognizes true crime content in TV, film, podcasts and publishing.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Makes out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makes%20out. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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