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.

The paper had yellowed from age and the cursive was so ornate the words were hard to make out.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

"I can make out all the letters of the alphabet, even the smallest ones," he marvelled, pointing to his phone screen.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

"She sent a message and at first I couldn't make out what she was saying, I was very confused," Jane said.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Papic accepts that China has a heavy energy import dependency, but points out this is far less of an Achilles’ heel than most make out.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Despite her efforts to peer through, she couldn’t make out more than the cracks of light.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny