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 Minnesota launched a study this week to examine the possibility of finally lifting its moratorium on new nuclear reactors. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 4 July 2026 Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff’s Muskism examines how Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire, by selling a vision of the future that very few people would want to inhabit. — The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026 From escalating conflicts across the globe to renewed debates over socialism, government power and individual liberty, this special edition examines the defining issues shaping America’s future. — Bill Wachsberger, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2026 Bright Angel was the first site SHERLOC examined after a dust-cover anomaly disabled its focusing mechanism, forcing the team to adopt a new operating mode. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for examine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for examine

Verb

The Average Problem Dines has been running his own experiments with frontier models, asking them to write in distinct styles and then interrogating them about why the output comes back bland.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Her new album, Fata Morgana, uses an array of cascading rhythms, impish hooks, and fierce poetry to interrogate her place in a corrupt American society.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026

Definition of interrogate

Verb

The restaurant received a score of 68 and has since been re-inspected and cleared to open.

— Mary Ella Hastings July 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
The Venezuelan College of Engineers (CIV) has launched emergency training sessions for engineers, architects and technical specialists who will inspect damaged structures and determine whether they can be repaired or must be demolished.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026

Definition of inspect

Verb

Buchhorn’s conviction was overturned in 2021, after the Court of Appeals of Kansas found Buchhorn’s defense did not sufficiently question Erik Mitchell of Frontier Forensics Midwest, an independent contractor who performed Oliver’s autopsy.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Trump has routinely teased the possibility of seeking a third term since returning to office and openly questioned whether he would be allowed to do so.

— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Definition of question

Verb

The court declined, however, to review a challenge to a federal ban on handgun sales to 18- to 20-year-olds, as well as to a similar Florida state law.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

Definition of review

Verb

Counties investigate these cases, and officials acknowledge that fraud exists, but neither the state nor local property appraisers publish verifiable statewide fraud statistics.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
The incident, which authorities are investigating, occurred 30 nautical miles (around 55 kilometers) southwest of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Al Hudaydah, UKMTO said.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of investigate

Browse Nearby Words

examinations

examine

examined

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Examine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/examine. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of examine

verb

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