inspect

Definition of inspectnext

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 Following an inspection in March, the city issued a formal notice of condemnation and order to vacate, as only about 17% of the rooms inspected passed. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 Moreover, the high safety profile of these facilities requires them to be inspected regularly and thoroughly, prompting long shutdowns as well. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 Once dry, inspect the fabric before repeating the process or placing it in the dryer. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 The lawsuit also claimed the defendants failed to properly inspect, maintain and remove dangerous trees on the property, arguing Lamar's death could have been prevented had appropriate safety measures been taken. Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect
Verb
  • Apple examines each application and each update of every third-party app, and if these don’t meet Apple’s definition of acceptable, then they are not allowed to be installed.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • These agencies examine the water in comparison to contamination thresholds to determine if the area is swimmable.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Of the 91 microchips, Honsal said 85 were scanned from the intact canine remains, and six were found in loose soil.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Others may step in when a package jams, a label fails to scan or a pallet needs human attention.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
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
Verb
  • Almost 100 years later, Stanley Hurst and others surveyed the damage after the Mississippi receded.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Roman will pair a large field of view with crisp infrared vision to survey deep, vast swaths of sky.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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