make out

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as in to derive
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 make out This pair is adorned with sparkling gemstones, has a lattice-like design, and looks like it's made out of real gold. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 14 June 2025 Clouds float in a soft-colored sky, but there’s not enough light to make out the terrain. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 14 June 2025 Davila-Alvarez said the decision to follow her daughter was not made out of paranoia but from practicality—and love. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 However, they are typically made out of clay and rarely found made of raw stone like limestone, sandstone or marble. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for make out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make out
Verb
  • This includes positive coping strategies such as reframing negative thoughts, practicing grounding techniques and seeking professional mental health support.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • With over 660 comments on the viral TikTok video, internet users can't cope with Nicole's way of cheering up her granddog.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Some things are beyond the capacity of a child to understand, while others resonate most profoundly out of the mouths of babes.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 5 July 2025
  • If not, the Kings might come to understand why Kerr couldn’t always trust Kuminga in key situations.
    Jason Anderson July 5, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The scams might start out with a text from someone pretending to be a government official, such as a local sheriff.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
  • Adams, who started as a center forward pretending to be former Arsenal, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry, recalled taking his earliest steps in soccer in Wappinger.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • All of these inputs to the model simulations are primarily derived from observational data.
    Ben Santer, Scientific American, 4 July 2025
  • While much of the popularity of the program is derived from its ability to inspire online debate, even the showrunners have noticed an uptick in the nastiness of the commentary.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • There are many ways to do this—on an external hard drive, in the cloud, Dropbox, iCloud, and Amazon Photos, which is free with Prime membership.
    Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2025
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as much of your exploring will probably be done on foot.
    New York Times, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 July 2025
  • Because as our founders knew so well, human nature recoils all too often at the inconveniences and frustrations of self-government.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • After a marathon session, the Senate narrowly passed their version of the legislation with Vice President Vance having to cast the deciding vote.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • What happens next: The 12-member jury will deliberate until a verdict is decided.
    Olivia Munson, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • People were quick to decipher the message — and went bananas, as expected.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • With these additional texts, the team was able to completely decipher this ancient hymn of praise.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Make out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make%20out. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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