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

Stateside, Nasdaq's move marks a big step in what's been growing regulatory scrutiny on tiny Chinese IPOs over the last several years. —Evelyn Cheng,anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

The benchmark tests that Texas lawmakers are considering as a replacement for the STAAR don’t have to go through that level of scrutiny, Marion said. —Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025

Such a move drew scrutiny from nearly everyone in the sports zeitgeist, from current NFL players to LeBron James. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025

After a three-year tenure marked by increasing political scrutiny of his campus, Northwestern University president Michael Schill is stepping down. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 4 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