There are numerous synonyms for the phrase "felt out," which means to evaluate or test a situation or person to better understand their thoughts or intentions. Some potential synonyms for this phrase may include "sussed out," "tested the waters," "gauged," "assessed," "probed," "explored," "investigated," "scrutinized," "appraised," "surveyed," "checked," "inspected," "examined," "analyzed," "reviewed," "diagnosed," "judged," "verified," "ascertained," "understood," and "deciphered." Each of these synonyms may be used in different contexts depending on the specific situation and desired level of nuance or emphasis.