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 The jet was still on the runway and being inspected Thursday morning. — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 Late Thursday afternoon, one of the companies involved in the condo elevator project told CBS News Chicago the bulk of the work is complete, but the elevator cannot be put into service until the state inspects it. — Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 Checking weatherstripping around doors and windows, inspecting outdoor faucets, trimming overgrown trees and servicing HVAC systems can help prevent unexpected issues down the line. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Both the Army and General Dynamics sent staffers to Turkey to inspect the Repkon machines. — ProPublica, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect
  1. examine
  2. scan
  3. review
  4. survey
Verb
  • Movie night this past week was Taylor Sheridan’s Wind River, an absolutely devastating neo-Western that examines the injustice many Native American women face on and off the reservation.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Now, in this new study, the international team examined the curious fossil under cross-polarized light, allowing more of its structure to be visible.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of examine
Verb
  • While LinkedIn matchmakers are strictly prohibited under the platform’s guidelines, professional matchmakers recommend researching potential partners online, including scanning their LinkedIn profiles.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Many shuffled between the help desk and the hospital notice board, clutching photographs and scanning injured patients' lists in the hope of finding them.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of scan
Verb
  • Internally, Newcastle reviewed the transfer to try to work out what actually happened.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The findings of the second report — which reviewed pretext stops by officers from other units in January — are expected to be presented at an upcoming commission meeting.
    — Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of review
Verb
  • In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission surveyed eight businesses that had advertised their use of AI and real-time data to determine prices, including Mastercard, JPMorgan Chase and retail pricing software companies.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Roman is also designed to survey the universe a thousand times faster than Hubble, according to NASA.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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