inspect

verb

in-ˈspekt How to pronounce inspect (audio)
Definition of inspectnext
as in to examine
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) inspected the collie before the dog show

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inspect different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of inspect are examine, scan, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When can examine be used instead of inspect?

The words examine and inspect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When might scan be a better fit than inspect?

In some situations, the words scan and inspect are roughly equivalent. However, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When would scrutinize be a good substitute for inspect?

The synonyms scrutinize and inspect are sometimes interchangeable, but scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inspect Organizations need to understand where TLS is negotiated, terminated, inspected and reestablished. — Scott Alldridge, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Management may have inspected an area without finding the condition later described by a resident. — Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 This can only be done after the weather event ends, and our crews inspect the lines. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Rocket Lab still needs to build a new forward dome, then cure and inspect it — steps that are expected to be complete by the end of the year, according to Beck. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect
  1. examine
  2. scan
  3. review
  4. survey
Verb
  • The scope of the investigation into Omar is unclear, though Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has suggested that authorities were examining potential crimes related to her family's immigration paperwork.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Proper due diligence means examining construction costs, operating expenses, funding gaps, financial sustainability and realistic projections.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of examine
Verb
  • The decision to set that tone staggering through all 10 minutes of the extended cut might scan as raw inspiration, placing Spacemen 3 on a narrow band from La Monte Young and Terry Riley to some brilliant dro)))ne future.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The companies have also incorporated Wraith Shield, a waveform designed to scan radio-frequency spectrum and identify threats.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of scan
Verb
  • The National Capital Planning Commission, a federal panel that reviews major construction projects, posted new renderings and accompanying documents provided by the Interior Department, which is overseeing the controversial project.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Look for unfamiliar applications in your Applications folder and review System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions for unexpected items.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of review
Verb
  • Stewart and Addyman meanwhile surveyed more than 2,000 parents to identify noises their babies responded to, which included animal sounds and other children’s laughter (both of which feature in the song).
    — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, around 36% of investors surveyed in the EII rated the EU’s approach to innovation and entrepreneurship poorly or very poorly.
    — Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of survey

Browse Nearby Words

insouciant
inspect
inspected
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspect. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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