Putting out feelers refers to an attempt to gather information or test a situation. Fortunately, there are several synonyms for this phrase that can be used in different contexts. For Example, "Test the waters" is used when someone wants to gauge people's reactions or interests in something. Similarly, "throw out some bait" can be used when someone is attempting to gather information or provoke a response from someone. Further, "probe" or "dig into" are often used when someone is seeking to obtain information about a situation or person. Overall, there are multiple synonyms for the phrase "put out feelers," and choosing the right one depends on the intended context and purpose.