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

But in the years since, this business decision has come under heavy scrutiny because of the rapid rise in team valuations. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Progressive activist and billionaire Tom Steyer faced scrutiny in the California gubernatorial primary for paying social media influencers to post favorable things about him. — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 23 July 2026

The post has drawn scrutiny from the Japanese public, some of whom argue that Takaichi is upholding an unhealthy and outdated standard in a country that has traditionally had a culture of overwork. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 July 2026

Yet, this year’s sharp drop in women directors in competition will likely reignite scrutiny over Venice’s record on gender representation. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 23 July 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