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
With the rush of holiday gifting behind you, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to slow down, sip some hot cocoa, and scope out the incredible end-of-year luggage sales going on at some of our all-time favorite brands right now.
—
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
Once a month, Fort Worth Star-Telegram service team reporter Ella Gonzales will scope out the best deals in Fort Worth for under $25.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Dec. 2025
The time has come for decorating enthusiasts around Middle Tennessee to shine, and for area visitors ― and those of us who live nearby and enjoy scoping out Christmas decor, or getting a few ideas of our own to add in next year ― to see the fruits of their labors.
—Nicole Young, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Nov. 2025
Comcast’s Roberts traveled to Saudi Arabia to scope out the potential of building a theme park there.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scope out
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Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
Once a month, Fort Worth Star-Telegram service team reporter Ella Gonzales will scope out the best deals in Fort Worth for under $25.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Dec. 2025
The time has come for decorating enthusiasts around Middle Tennessee to shine, and for area visitors ― and those of us who live nearby and enjoy scoping out Christmas decor, or getting a few ideas of our own to add in next year ― to see the fruits of their labors.
—Nicole Young, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Nov. 2025
Comcast’s Roberts traveled to Saudi Arabia to scope out the potential of building a theme park there.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scope out
Cite this Entry
“Scope out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scope%20out. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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