Phrase guide

size up

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To evaluate; to estimate or anticipate the magnitude, difficulty, or strength of something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • It's a good idea for boxers to size up their opponents before their matches.
  • Before we can begin to size up the problem, we'll need more information.
  • The Century We had to size up our fellow legislators.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To wear a larger size of clothing.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • This shirt runs tight, so you should size up.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he scrutinized his likeness in the mirror

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: take stock, scrutinize, scrutinise

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: examine, see

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: tantear — to evaluate
  • Ukrainian: придивитися один до одного (prydyvytysja odyn do odnoho) — to evaluate
  • Ukrainian: оцінити один одного (ocinyty odyn odnoho) — to evaluate
  • Ukrainian: вивчити один одного (vyvčyty odyn odnoho) — to evaluate
  • Ukrainian: помірятися один з одним (pomirjatysja odyn z odnym) — to evaluate