scrutiny
noun
scru·ti·ny
ˈskrü-tə-nē 
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
1
: a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination
2
: a searching look
3
: close watch : surveillance
Examples of scrutiny in a Sentence
the close scrutiny of data
I'd never faced that kind of scrutiny before.
Because of their past crimes, everything they do now will be subject to scrutiny.
Her opinion is based on a careful scrutiny of the text.
Recent Examples on the Web
As the race progressed, Schlossberg received heavy media scrutiny by The New York Times with reports of high turnover inside his campaign and allegations of erratic behavior.
—
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 24 June 2026
The revelation about the IRS seizure comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over taxpayer funds used to fight the homelessness crisis.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
The City of Sacramento unveiled a new safe camping site in the River District on Tuesday, offering temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness while city leaders face new scrutiny over the effectiveness of the city's shelter system.
—Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 24 June 2026
The battle over who controls the University of Florida overshadowed Stuart Bell’s installation as interim president Monday, as UF trustees rallied behind Chairman Mori Hosseini, who has faced mounting scrutiny over his authority.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrutiny
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Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 24 June 2026
The revelation about the IRS seizure comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over taxpayer funds used to fight the homelessness crisis.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
The City of Sacramento unveiled a new safe camping site in the River District on Tuesday, offering temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness while city leaders face new scrutiny over the effectiveness of the city's shelter system.
—Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 24 June 2026
The battle over who controls the University of Florida overshadowed Stuart Bell’s installation as interim president Monday, as UF trustees rallied behind Chairman Mori Hosseini, who has faced mounting scrutiny over his authority.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrutiny
Cite this Entry
“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scrutiny
noun
scru·ti·ny
ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
: a close inspection : examination
Legal Definition
scrutiny
noun
scru·ti·ny
ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē
plural scrutinies
: searching study or inquiry
specifically
: judicial investigation of the constitutionality of a statutory classification of persons under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution see also intermediate sense 2, strict scrutiny compare rational basis test
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