scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrü-tə-nē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
Synonyms of scrutiny
1
: a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination
2
: a searching look
3
: close watch : surveillance

Synonyms of scrutiny

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Examples of scrutiny in a Sentence

the close scrutiny of data I'd never faced that kind of scrutiny before. Because of their past crimes, everything they do now will be subject to scrutiny. Her opinion is based on a careful scrutiny of the text.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the broader access question has still drawn scrutiny in Washington. — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 The wall is under heavy scrutiny for the billions of dollars being dedicated to it when border crossings are at their lowest in decades. — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Huffman conceded that any anniversary celebration of this scale would merit scrutiny over spending and contracts. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 2 July 2026 Despite the milestone, the aircraft has attracted political scrutiny. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrutiny

Word History

Etymology

Latin scrutinium, from scrutari to search, examine, probably from scruta trash

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrutiny was in 1604

Phrases Containing scrutiny

Rhymes for scrutiny

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Browse Nearby Words

scrutinous
scrutiny
scrutoire
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scrutiny

noun
scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
: a close inspection : examination

Legal Definition

scrutiny

noun
scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
plural scrutinies
: searching study or inquiry
specifically : judicial investigation of the constitutionality of a statutory classification of persons under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution see also intermediate sense 2, strict scrutiny compare rational basis test

More from Merriam-Webster on scrutiny

Nglish: Translation of scrutiny for Spanish Speakers

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