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

• 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

In Cook’s case, the scrutiny falls on a Federal Reserve Board governor, a position Trump has sought to influence in his push to lower interest rates. —Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025

The move marks the latest step in Beijing’s efforts to expand its security footprint across the region, drawing close scrutiny from Western governments. —MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

The relationship between Davis and the school board has been under heightened scrutiny as of late. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025

Amazon perhaps faces the most scrutiny. —Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025

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