inspect

verb

in·​spect in-ˈspekt 

inspected; inspecting; inspects

transitive verb

1

: to view closely in critical appraisal : look over

2

: to examine officially

inspects the barracks every Friday

intransitive verb

: to make an inspection

inspective

in-ˈspek-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• examine
• scan
• review
• survey

Choose the Right Synonym for inspect

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 inspect in a Sentence

She had the car inspected by a mechanic before she bought it.

The candles are inspected for damage before being packaged.

After the storm, we went outside to inspect the damage.

He inspected the soldiers' barracks.

inspecting a restaurant for health code violations

Recent Examples on the Web

As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2025

The new law also requires school buses to be inspected every 12 months or 50,000 miles and have fire extinguishers and first aid kits on board. —Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2025

Iran’s program was heavily limited, and it was heavily inspected. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 22 June 2025

But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin inspectus, past participle of inspicere, from in- + specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for inspect

• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct
• dissect
• effect

Kids Definition

inspect

verb

in·​spect in-ˈspekt 

1

: to examine closely (as for judging quality or condition)

inspect meat

2

: to view and examine officially

inspect the troops

Legal Definition

inspect

transitive verb

in·​spect

1

: to view closely and critically

2

: to examine officially

inspect the facility for code violations

intransitive verb

: to make an inspection