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

Confidentiality deserves the same scrutiny as strategy and reporting. — Scott Keever, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Hoskins already faces scrutiny for his actions in Missouri's congressional redistricting saga. — Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026

Heightened public scrutiny Recent high-profile cybersecurity incidents involving AI agents have brought laws like SB-53, and AI regulation more broadly, back into focus. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

The case, now officially ruled a homicide, has drawn national scrutiny for echoing Mississippi’s history of lynchings, as police say suspect Jarques Ratliff knew Fortune and warn more arrests are likely. — Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 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