scope out

phrasal verb

scoped out; scoping out; scopes out

US, informal

: to look at (someone or something) especially in order to get information

They scoped out the area before setting up the tent.

Players were scoping out the competition.

He wants to scope out all of the possibilities before deciding what to do.

Examples of scope out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Perhaps in an effort to protect his identity (or scope out the competition), the Wonka actor stopped by the chaotic event where dozens were making an effort to mimic his streetwear aesthetic or otherwise don the look of his various movie roles. —

Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Oct. 2024 Vibe check: The homey space has tables, booths and bar seating, where diners have a chance to scope out the pincho, or small bites. —

Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024 Sally Rooney loves love, romantic and otherwise, and she is endlessly drawn to stories that scope out different ways of redeeming it. —

Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2024 Prime Day is also a great time to scope out holiday gifts for him and her, like men’s watches, affordable handbags, or multi-packs of cozy socks and underwear. —

Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scope out