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.
In the backstage area where the presenters are rehearsing their teleprompter readings, Julissa Bermudez, a former host of 106 & Park, sizes up his outfit. Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 15 July 2025 Colors: 11 options Pros: Well-priced; Padded shoulder straps and underwire for all-day comfort; easy on and off with front close; band sizes up to 50 Cons: Some reviewers report sizing runs small Small boobs need good bras too! Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar, Glamour, 11 July 2025 Available in 17 colors and in sizes up to a men’s 16, these flip-flops are constructed with squishy yoga mat footbeds that provide arch support and prevent foot fatigue while walking for long periods of time. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025 Amazon has other capacities of the Elements on sale for Prime Day, too, in sizes up to 26TB, but the 14TB looks like the best value. PC Magazine, 8 July 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 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on size up

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