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

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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 Those investments have raised eyebrows in Congress, with some Democrats aiming to scrutinize the younger Trumps' deals for potential insider trading or conflicts of interest. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 2 July 2026 Average transaction values for travel are still high, more than $31,000, but travelers are scrutinizing their receipts and pushing back when rate hikes don't come with better service. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Based on this, TMZ reported that Rhode Island was the best fit, while New York was the worst due to its reputation of judges who sometimes scrutinize and invalidate prenups. — Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 3 July 2026 Chris Long no doubt will be scrutinized and questioned as of being put before City Council’s Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday morning. — Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrutinize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize

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

Definition of examine

Verb

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, 8 July 2026
Demanding a transparent investigation Salgado Araujo’s death has brought an outpouring of grief and calls for transparency, with activists and Texas Democratic lawmakers demanding all evidence from the scene be reviewed.

— Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of review

Verb

People are instructed to scan the QR link on the letter that will lead them to a list of available appointments to reschedule their test.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Agents then referred the vehicle for a secondary inspection and used X-ray equipment to scan the truck and trailer.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of scan

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

Browse Nearby Words

scrutinies

scrutinize

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“Scrutinize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrutinize. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of scrutinize

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