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

Public markets come with quarterly disclosure requirements, activist shareholders, and a level of scrutiny that founders with outsized control, people like Elon Musk at SpaceX, would rather avoid for as long as possible. — Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Some have also argued that concerns about being perceived as racist discouraged earlier scrutiny of the allegations. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

While networks since the rabbit-ears days have complained about Nielsen’s methods, the company has been in the crosshairs numerous times during the streaming boom as its capabilities have faced scrutiny. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

The threats came amid rampant speculation and scrutiny of the investigation, deepened in part by uncertainty surrounding Wells’ final hours, distrust of law enforcement and the state’s long history of racist violence. — Josh Kelety, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 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