inspect

verb

in-ˈspekt How to pronounce inspect (audio)
Definition of inspectnext
as in to examine
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) inspected the collie before the dog show

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inspect are examine, scan, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When can examine be used instead of inspect?

The words examine and inspect 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 might scan be a better fit than inspect?

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

scanned the wine list

When would scrutinize be a good substitute for inspect?

The synonyms scrutinize and inspect are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 inspect Our bedrooms were inspected every evening, and our beds had to be made with hospital corners. — Debbie Millman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 North Korean Army Marshal Pak Jong Chon inspected fortifications on the border with South Korea on Tuesday, accompanied by Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un, KCNA reported. — Reuters, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026 North Korean Army Marshal Pak Jong Chon inspected fortifications on the border with South Korea on Tuesday, accompanied by Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong ​Un, KCNA reported. — Reuters, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 The state workplace regulator inspected the company in response to a tip, according to the inspection summary. — Myla S. Roundy, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect
  1. examine
  2. scan
  3. review
  4. survey
Verb
  • Chinese researchers have examined Russia’s use of reconnaissance drones to locate targets and direct strikes.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Investigators examined allegations involving more than 300 victims spanning from 1950 through 2011.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of examine
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
  • 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
  • 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

insouciant
inspect
inspected
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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