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

Speculation of Israeli effort to discredit Khan The allegations against Khan came at a moment of intense scrutiny of the ICC. — Christiane Amanpour, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

In recent years, Kinshasa has intensified scrutiny of mining companies. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 16 July 2026

Fire Point, the company that designed and produces the FP-1 drone used in its long-range strike campaigns, has come under heavy scrutiny. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026

The escape has brought scrutiny on the Bureau of Prisons and the decision to incarcerate Cofield in such a low-security facility given his extensive criminal history that includes organized crime and orchestrations of violent acts. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 16 July 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