make out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Initially, it seemed like he might make out fine, even as he insisted on pleading guilty.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

On the Marine Traffic map, which tracks world shipping movements, you can make out clusters of ships, mainly tankers, anchored far to the north near Kuwait, as well as off the coast near Dubai.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

Or when you phone a company and the AI “assistant” that responds really can’t make out what you’re asking to route the call correctly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

When Paula whispers something that Lilian can’t quite make out, just before the hypnotist brings her out of the spell, Lilian protests in English, “I need to hear her!”

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2026

I can’t make out what they’re saying, probably because Dad is muffling the phone.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila