examine

verb

ex·​am·​ine ig-ˈza-mən 

examined; examining ig-ˈza-mə-niŋ 

-ˈzam-niŋ

transitive verb

1

a

: to inspect closely

b

: to test the condition of

c

: to inquire into carefully : investigate

2

a

: to interrogate closely

examine a prisoner

b

: to test by questioning in order to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge

intransitive verb

: to make or give an examination

examinable

ig-ˈza-mə-nə-bəl 

adjective

examiner

ig-ˈza-mə-nər 

-ˈzam-nər

noun

Synonyms

• catechize
• grill
• interrogate
• pump
• query
• question
• quiz
• sweat [slang]

Choose the Right Synonym for examine

scrutinize, scan, inspect, examine mean to look at or over.

scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

Examples of examine in a Sentence

An accountant has been hired to examine the company's books.

The police examined the evidence carefully.

You should have your eyes examined.

He was examined by several doctors, who found nothing wrong with him.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the web version of The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed. —Nick Rockel, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024

The Post identified regulations to review by examining state legislative databases and trackers maintained by bipartisan nonprofits that monitor education laws as well as various advocacy groups. —Clara Ence Morse, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

And even perpetually thwarted talent managers Jimmy and Kayla (Downs and Megan Stalter) have scenes that cut closer to the bone, examining what both truly want to achieve. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024

Previous installments examined fraud in local governments, police vetting requirements and the water crisis in Kansas. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024

Where to see the eclipse:Free events in Central Indiana that offer great views Pearson and students worked on a test balloon release in October, using the tablets to examine the altitude and direction, Minerva said. —The Indianapolis Star, 4 Apr. 2024

Del Rio said at the family’s vigil that his office would examine if the deputies should have done anything else rather than resort to lethal force. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 3 Apr. 2024

Nikole Hannah-Jones examines how the fall of affirmative action may be viewed as part of a 50-year campaign to undermine the progress of the civil rights movement. —Helen Ouyang, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024

Despite the hundreds of whales that washed ashore, researchers could only properly examine 61. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French examiner, from Latin examinare, from examen

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing examine

• re-examine

Kids Definition

examine

verb

ex·​am·​ine ig-ˈzam-ən 

examined; examining

1

: to look at or check carefully

examine a company's books

have your eyes examined

2

: to question closely

examine a witness

examiner noun

Medical Definition

examine

verb

ex·​am·​ine ig-ˈzam-ən 

examined; examining -(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to inspect or test for evidence of disease or abnormality

the doctor examined the young men and found them in perfect health

intransitive verb

: to make or give an examination

the doctor will examine at the infirmary

Legal Definition

examine

transitive verb

ex·​am·​ine

examined; examining

1

: to investigate or inspect closely

examine the title

compare audit

2

: to question closely especially in a court proceeding compare depose