on closer inspection
idiom
: when examined more closely
On closer inspection, the painting proved to be a fake.
Examples of on closer inspection in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But on closer inspection, modern details emerge—the flush sundeck a top the boat, curved windows on the main deck and helm area, and, almost impossibly, a fold-out beach club at the stern.
—
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
French designer Lucas Cambier’s Garriga Chair looks cold and blocky at first but reveals a softer side on closer inspection.
—Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 13 Sep. 2025
But on closer inspection, his pictures of idealized pies, spaghetti entanglements of highways, and gumball machines rimmed in blue halos required unpacking.
—Air Mail, 24 May 2025
But on closer inspection, there may not have been much of a transformation at all.
—Sanjena Sathian, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on closer inspection
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.
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
French designer Lucas Cambier’s Garriga Chair looks cold and blocky at first but reveals a softer side on closer inspection.
—Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 13 Sep. 2025
But on closer inspection, his pictures of idealized pies, spaghetti entanglements of highways, and gumball machines rimmed in blue halos required unpacking.
—Air Mail, 24 May 2025
But on closer inspection, there may not have been much of a transformation at all.
—Sanjena Sathian, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on closer inspection
Cite this Entry
“On closer inspection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20closer%20inspection. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share