Definition of scrutinizenext
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

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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 Administrators don’t act arbitrarily, and their actions are publicly logged and closely scrutinized. Ryan McGrady, The Conversation, 25 June 2026 Florida’s education community should scrutinize the many factors, both in and out of school, that impact student achievement. Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 To that end, here are five specific things worth scrutinizing throughout camp. Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Lander has been arrested for protesting immigrant detention conditions inside a Manhattan building housing federal immigration court, while Goldman has used congressional oversight to scrutinize federal agents arresting people attending routine immigration court hearings and check-ins. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrutinize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize
Verb
  • Link to earlier discovery The new findings come less than a year after Perseverance examined a rock called Cheyava Falls, which scientists described as one of the most intriguing samples collected on Mars.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026
  • Take a couple of minutes to examine one testicle at a time.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 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
  • 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
  • Clean gutters and drains, inspect roofs for loose or damaged materials, trim trees and secure outdoor furniture and decorations.
    Stephen Hauptman, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • The United States deployed specialized airfield repair and certification teams to inspect, clear and restore the runway.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Roman will pair a large field of view with crisp infrared vision to survey deep, vast swaths of sky.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • Nearly 40% of data center operators surveyed by the Uptime Institute in 2022 experienced an outage caused by human error, mostly from employees not following proper procedure.
    Thomas Berndorfer, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scrutinize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrutinize. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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