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

Synonyms of scrutiny

• inspection
• examination
• audit
• survey

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

Norman Corwin’s On a Note of Triumph is one example of a work that rewards closer critical scrutiny. —Literary Hub, 20 May 2026

No injuries were reported, but the incident drew scrutiny from aviation safety groups and prompted Amazon to modify how the drones ascend over residential areas at that location. —Noah Daly updated May 19, Idaho Statesman, 19 May 2026

Her campaign comes after years of national scrutiny tied to her time in office in Illinois, where federal investigators have looked into spending and taxpayer money connected to Dolton and Thornton Township. —Jamal Goss, CBS News, 19 May 2026

King cited Delta Air Lines as an example of a company that remained vocal about its values despite mounting scrutiny. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin scrutinium, from scrutari to search, examine, probably from scruta trash

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scrutiny

• self-scrutiny
• under scrutiny

Rhymes for scrutiny

• mutiny

Kids 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