scrutiny

noun

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scru·ti·ny | \ ˈskrü-tə-nē

, ˈskrüt-nē \

plural scrutinies

Definition of scrutiny

1 : a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination

2 : a searching look

3 : close watch : surveillance

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about scrutiny

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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 While police in Elkhart and elsewhere have used the tool to make critical decisions that can establish an investigation’s direction, SCAN has escaped the scrutiny that comes with being offered in court as proof. — Ken Armstrong, ProPublica, "Why Are Cops Around the World Using This Outlandish Mind-Reading Tool?," 8 Dec. 2019 Warren, Biden and Sanders have helped the DNC raise money this cycle, but Biden, especially, has gotten scrutiny from progressives as a candidate tied to the traditional monied establishment. — Washington Post, "Biden: ‘Best people’ for posts, but they could be donors," 7 Dec. 2019 Boris Johnson, the Conservative leader, continued to dodge scrutiny from the BBC’s fiercest interviewer, who has already mauled other candidates. — The Economist, "Politics this week," 5 Dec. 2019 The Koskinen episode began in 2010, when IRS employees in Cincinnati gave extra scrutiny to tax exemption requests filed by a collection of groups that seemed political, many of which were Tea Party affiliates. — Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, "When Jim Jordan was a backer of impeachment," 5 Dec. 2019 Border Patrol typically provides basic medical care, but children in ORR care are subject to far greater medical scrutiny, including influenza vaccinations not provided by CBP. — CBS News, "Video shows disoriented migrant boy's death inside Border Patrol cell," 5 Dec. 2019 Amid a nationwide backlash against vaping, new scrutiny is presenting problems for both health officials and now law enforcement. — Fox News, "Crackdown on marijuana vaping sees 510G cartridges seized in 2 years," 4 Dec. 2019 Page has been criticized for not engaging more as Google’s growing power has sparked scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. — Mark Bergen, Fortune, "Google Co-Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin Stepping Down at Alphabet," 3 Dec. 2019 During her appearance on Watch What Happens Live, the actress shared her personal suggestions for dealing with negative press and media scrutiny. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Helena Bonham Carter's Advice to Meghan Markle for Dealing With Media Scrutiny," 28 Nov. 2019

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.

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Last Updated

10 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Scrutiny.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 15 December 2019.

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More Definitions for scrutiny

scrutiny

noun

English Language Learners Definition of scrutiny

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

See the full definition for scrutiny in the English Language Learners Dictionary

scrutiny

noun

scru·ti·ny | \ ˈskrü-tə-nē

, ˈskrüt-nē \

Kids Definition of scrutiny

: a close inspection

scrutiny

noun

scru·ti·ny | \ ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē

plural scrutinies

Legal Definition of scrutiny

: 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

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