SCRUTINIZE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'scrutinize' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scrutinize are examine , inspect , and scan . While all these words mean "to look at or over," scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail. // scrutinized the hospital bill

Q: When might 'examine' be a better fit than 'scrutinize'?

The words examine and scrutinize 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

Q: When is 'inspect' a more appropriate choice than 'scrutinize'?

The words inspect and scrutinize can be used in similar contexts, but inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects. // inspected my credentials

Q: When could 'scan' be used to replace 'scrutinize'?

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

scrutinize

verb

ˈskrü-tə-ˌnīz

Definition of scrutinize

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) the project's time constraints make it impossible for the programmers to scrutinize every line of code, so some bugs should be expected

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

Some common synonyms of scrutinize are examine, inspect, and scan. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

When might examine be a better fit than scrutinize?

The words examine and scrutinize 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 is inspect a more appropriate choice than scrutinize?

The words inspect and scrutinize can be used in similar contexts, but inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When could scan be used to replace scrutinize?

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

scanned the wine list

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 scrutinize From hippies to covert racists, psychedelics to cult-like workshop leaders, this is a world where any difference is still scrutinized and looked down on. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Audiences don’t always get the nuance that journalists rely on to scrutinize any political system. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026 Girls like Nhedega often depend on such basic places for contraception without being scrutinized or exposed. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 Adherence to the chain of custody laws is even more critical before an official result has been certified, and legal experts have encouraged judges to scrutinize warrant applications for ballots especially closely. — Danielle Friedman, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrutinize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize

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 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

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

Teams will inspect returning stages and prepare them for refurbishment before subsequent missions.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
In late September, video showed Wang going through the victim’s desk before picking up his coffee tin, opening and inspecting its contents, the police affidavit said.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of inspect

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

scrutinies

scrutinize

scrutinized

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“Scrutinize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrutinize. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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