scrutiny

play

noun scru·ti·ny \ˈskrü-tə-nē, ˈskrüt-nē\

Definition of scrutiny

plural

scrutinies

1 : a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination
2 : a searching look
3 : close watch : surveillance

See scrutiny defined for English-language learners

See scrutiny defined for kids

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 of scrutiny from the Web

Elliott seemed to understand that his success on the field led to greater scrutiny off it.

— cindy boren, chicagotribune.com, "Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott reportedly involved in an incident in a Dallas bar," 17 July 2017
The DUP’s move into the center of British political life has exposed their vision of Britishness to new scrutiny.

— jonathan s. blake, The Atlantic, "What a Protestant Parade Reveals About Theresa May's New Partners," 11 July 2017
Perhaps under the heavy scrutiny and pressure of being remembered for such an unpopular trade, Miller didn’t do much with the Marlins.

— george richards, miamiherald, "Andrew Miller makes a triumphant, All-Star return to Miami," 11 July 2017
The senator has faced scrutiny for accepting the appointment from Bentley, who at the time was under investigation by Strange's office.

— howard koplowitz, AL.com, "Luther Strange, Roy Moore court support for Senate runs at Vestavia forum," 8 July 2017
The scrutiny over Nielsen averages comes at a pivotal time for broadcast news: World News Tonight with David Muir is winning in the ratings for the first time in 21 years, since Peter Jennings sat behind the desk.

— vanityfair.com, "The Bizarre Way Networks Disguise Lackluster Ratings," 7 July 2017
The bank now faces scrutiny over an even uglier episode.

— The Economist, "A long reckoningBNP Paribas faces accusations over the Rwandan genocide," 5 July 2017
That effort led to an FBI focus on Paul Manafort, the Trump campaign chairman who did political consulting work on behalf of Yanukovych's pro-Russia political party and who remains under scrutiny now.

— eric tucker, chicagotribune.com, "Mueller probe could draw focus to Russian crime operations," 4 July 2017
Kylie's relationship with Travis Scott has only recently become a source of public scrutiny.

— alyssa hardy, Teen Vogue, "Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Spark Engagement Rumors With Matching Diamond Rings," 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scrutiny.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of scrutiny

Latin scrutinium, from scrutari to search, examine, probably from scruta trash

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1604

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SCRUTINY Defined for English Language Learners

scrutiny

play

noun

Definition of scrutiny for English Language Learners

: the act of carefully examining something especially in a critical way : the act of scrutinizing something

SCRUTINY Defined for Kids

scrutiny

play

noun scru·ti·ny \ˈskrü-tə-nē, ˈskrüt-nē\

Definition of scrutiny for Students

: a close inspection

Law Dictionary

scrutiny

play

noun scru·ti·ny \ˈskrüt-^ən-ē\

Legal Definition of scrutiny

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 2, strict scrutiny — compare rational basis test