test the waters

Jump To:

inquire v.
poll v.
probe v.
query v.
survey v.

VERB

inquire

Synonyms

STRONGEST

examine inspect interrogate investigate

STRONG

analyze catechize explore grill hit knock probe prospect pry query question roast scrutinize search seek sift study

WEAK

feel out go over hit up request information seek information

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore

STRONG

answer find neglect reply

WEAK

respond

VERB

poll

Synonyms

STRONGEST

canvass enroll examine interview register survey tally

STRONG

ballot list sample vote

WEAK

send up a balloon

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore neglect

VERB

probe

Synonyms

STRONGEST

check out delve into dig examine inquire interrogate penetrate poke scrutinize sift verify

STRONG

ask catechize check eye pierce prod prospect query quiz search sound study test

WEAK

check over check up feel around feel out go into look into put out a feeler sound out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

answer misunderstand

STRONG

ignore reply

VERB

query

Synonyms

STRONGEST

inquire interrogate quiz

STRONG

catechize challenge disbelieve dispute distrust doubt enquire examine impeach impugn knock mistrust suspect

WEAK

hit up put out a feeler question

Antonyms

STRONGEST

answer reply

STRONG

be certain believe praise trust

VERB

survey

Synonyms

STRONGEST

assess canvass check check out estimate evaluate examine inspect look over observe overlook oversee review scan supervise

STRONG

appraise assay case contemplate measure plan plot prospect rate read reconnoiter research scope size study summarize superintend valuate value view

WEAK

check over check up give the once-over look upon set at size up stake out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

follow forget ignore neglect serve

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.

See Examples For:

test the waters

“A first date is just supposed to test the waters, see if you like the person that you’re with,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

Several cryptocurrency-related companies went public in 2025, and Kraken is another that could test the waters in the new year.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 31, 2025

The results mirrored a 2020 study of vampire bats showing that newcomers also test the waters, slowly progressing from grooming relationships to more substantial food-sharing partnerships with trusted companions.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 23, 2025

"It's good to test the waters for practical cooperation and what can be done. Let's take it from there."

From BBC ● May 19, 2025

“Relying on a friend to test the waters when you’re looking for a date? Amateurs.”

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone

test the waters

Example Sentences

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