SCRUTINY Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

scrutiny

noun

ˈskrü-tə-nē

Definition of scrutiny

as in inspection

a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition his performance on the football field is seemingly unaffected by the media's intense scrutiny of his tumultuous personal life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in gaze

a fixed intent look began to squirm under the penetrating scrutiny of the judge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 scrutiny Paxton has faced scrutiny during the campaign for his accumulation of wealth, his past legal troubles, allegations of infidelity, dealings in the attorney general’s office and his 2023 impeachment. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026 Kenia notes that men in música mexicana don’t face the same kind of scrutiny. — Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026 That’s put more scrutiny on the riskier areas of the AI boom, which has grown increasingly reliant on issuing debt via the bond market. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Martelly’s registration under a new political grouping, Debloke, will place the council under heavy scrutiny. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrutiny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutiny

Noun

The airline said the aircraft landed safely and was taken out of service for inspection by its maintenance team.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
For example, utilities can start with one upcoming investment decision, using digital and AI capabilities to bring together maintenance and inspection reports as well as operating data so teams can identify constraints across the network.

— Charlie Sanchez, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of inspection

Noun

Finn — whose gaze is wearily abstracted in one moment, zealously blind the next — is building up a first-rate catalogue of women well past the verge.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
With shame, this feeling is social, connected to the fear of someone else’s disapproving gaze.

— Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of gaze

Noun

If Fielder is again playing a version of himself here, Holmes seems to be offering near infinite versions of herself up for examination, like a set of unblinking reflections in a hall of funhouse mirrors.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
The search and forensic examination of the property remain ongoing.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

Not since Lou Reed jammed 26 dollars in his hand has a group so believably articulated the crescendo and contours of a high, alongside the mundanity, side quests, and thousand-yard stares, too.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
In a scene that became the centerpiece of the film’s teaser trailer, Holmes fixes Fielder with an unwavering stare.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of stare

Noun

Sam Norton, spokesperson for CSCU, said the higher education system would conduct an audit of the Foundation’s accounts.

— Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026
In August, Ford announced his plan to pause new tax abatements for data centers while an audit is conducted to see whether the projects have fulfilled promises about producing tax revenue and economic benefits.

— Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of audit

Noun

Pieces of fish are hand sliced to the ideal thickness and length, and beautifully adorned with garnishes that dazzle the eye and strategically heighten every bite.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
As on television, Seyfried nails Holmes’s wide eyes, unsteady mannerisms, deep voice, and mysterious vocal cadence that makes the character both unreal and oddly human.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of eye

Browse Nearby Words

scrutinizing

scrutiny

scud

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Style

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

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Synonyms of scrutiny

noun

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