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
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.
Earlier in the night, Bey scoped out the sign in the crowd that requested her help with the reveal. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 29 May 2025 The remarks give a preview of the kind of ideological lane each is scoping out for their presidential runs. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 That led to a detective scoping out US Pawn’s Hollywood location and observing people bringing in bags full of over-the-counter products, health and beauty products and tools. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025 After delivering the return capsule to Earth, the main spacecraft embarked on an extended mission to scope out yet another asteroid. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scope out

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Cite this Entry

“Scope out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scope%20out. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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