SCRUTINIZE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of scrutinize are examine , inspect , and scan . While all these words mean "to look at or over," scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail. // scrutinized the hospital bill

Q: When might 'examine' be a better fit than 'scrutinize'?

The words examine and scrutinize 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

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

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

Q: When could 'scan' be used to replace 'scrutinize'?

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

scrutinize

verb

ˈskrü-tə-ˌnīz

Definition of scrutinize

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) the project's time constraints make it impossible for the programmers to scrutinize every line of code, so some bugs should be expected

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of scrutinize are examine, inspect, and scan. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

When might examine be a better fit than scrutinize?

The words examine and scrutinize 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 is inspect a more appropriate choice than scrutinize?

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

inspected my credentials

When could scan be used to replace scrutinize?

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

scanned the wine list

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 scrutinize Advertisement Much of the evidence that might one day settle disagreements remains controlled by the companies both sides seek to scrutinize. — Harry Booth, Time, 20 Oct. 2026 Raman has repeatedly bashed the train’s delays on social media while scrutinizing Bass’ performance as mayor. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 After Jones shined during his first start, the Gators’ quarterback decision will be scrutinized and dissected, fueling two weeks of endless conjecture leading up to the Georgia game. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 That law made refugee applications some of the most rigorously scrutinized within the immigration system. — Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrutinize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize

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

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

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

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

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

scrutinies

scrutinize

scrutinized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Scrutinize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrutinize. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of scrutinize

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shindig

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes