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test the waters

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.

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

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that monk parakeets meeting unfamiliar birds tend to "test the waters" before deciding whether a potential partner is safe to approach.

From Science Daily • Nov. 23, 2025

Ross agreed, saying it is a "good way to test the waters".

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2024

If he decides to test the waters in either capacity, he will surely have options.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 29, 2023

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

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone

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