EXAMINE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of examine are inspect , scan , and scrutinize . While all these words mean "to look at or over," examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing. // examined the specimens

Q: When would 'inspect' be a good substitute for 'examine'?

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

Q: In what contexts can 'scan' take the place of 'examine'?

The meanings of scan and examine largely overlap; however, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation. // scanned the wine list

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

Although the words scrutinize and examine have much in common, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail. // scrutinized the hospital bill

examine

verb

ig-ˈza-mən

Definition of examine

as in to interrogate

to put a series of questions to the defense attorney was eager to examine her star witness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to inspect

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) the customer painstakingly examined the antique piece of furniture from top to bottom before purchasing it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to explore

to search through or into a groundbreaking study that examined the causes of juvenile delinquency

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of examine are inspect, scan, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When would inspect be a good substitute for examine?

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

inspected my credentials

In what contexts can scan take the place of examine?

The meanings of scan and examine largely overlap; however, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When is scrutinize a more appropriate choice than examine?

Although the words scrutinize and examine have much in common, 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 examine The psychologist who examined Aguilar asked social workers at Federal Medical Center Carswell, the prison where Aguilar has been incarcerated, to put together a conditional release plan. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 To see where snowier El Niño winters were more common, CNN Weather also examined how often snowfall finished above average during those years. — Sam Hart, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Technical knowledge can be taught and examined but the skills Freebairn values most, such as influencing, persuading, and negotiating, cannot. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 The senators also asked the Government Accountability Office to examine how the federal government has funded menopause research to identify gaps in training, treatment and oversight. — Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for examine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for examine

Verb

In practice, that means juniors sitting in on meetings to watch colleagues interrogate the numbers, being present when real decisions get made, and gaining experience in different departments.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Lately, Skarsgård seems to be doing the same, gravitating toward roles that, at their core, interrogate the impact his looks have on other people.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of interrogate

Verb

Animals within that zone must be inspected and, if necessary, treated before being moved.

— Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
City crews have also been clearing more than 31,000 catch basins and drainage systems and inspecting and reinforcing vulnerable hillsides and burn areas, including Pacific Palisades, Bass said in a statement.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of inspect

Verb

The Swedish polymath explores the sounds, language, and imagery of Americana on a drolly observational singer-songwriter album.

— Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
The series explores the unsettling collision of ancient witchcraft beliefs and modern digital dating culture.

— Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of explore

Verb

Prosecutors said the 33-year-old suspect, a German citizen who has ties to the Berchtesgaden area but doesn't currently live there, was questioned.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
A number of protesters were also taken in for questioning and not allowed to join planned marches, according to local media.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Verb

That acrobatic catch at the end of the end zone was reviewed by instant replay and deemed a TD.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
The Coastal Commission — which has been inundated in recent weeks with media questions and emergency permit requests amid record-breaking flooding from El Niño and tropical storms — is reviewing the draft findings.

— Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of review

Verb

Documenting the location and the robot's identification number can help officials investigate a complaint.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Charlotte Water investigates reports of violations through staff observations and complaints from the public.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigate

Verb

Unusual states at edges The team examined its molecular assembly using a scanning tunneling microscope.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Those who fail to scan the address verification QR code within seven days will see their account demoted to the free tier and be barred from joining any other Duo or Family plan for 12 months.

— Nick Indge, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of scan

Verb

Only about 21% of residents surveyed for the health assessment said there were enough well-paying jobs locally.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Despite the potential for turbulence caused by the midterms, the financial advisers surveyed recommend staying the course.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of survey

Browse Nearby Words

examinations

examine

examined

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Style

“Examine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/examine. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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