scrutiny

noun

Save Word

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

Keep scrolling for more

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 That's why its costs should be subject to the kind of close scrutiny that government applies to public utilities. — Lz Granderson, Star Tribune, "'Free' community college sounds good, but Biden is asking the wrong question," 28 Apr. 2021 Wilson has been widely linked to be the Jets' pick, which guarantees nothing beyond the comparisons that will be coming — with an extra layer of scrutiny after trading Darnold. — Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, "Opinion: Drafting NFL QBs is always hype vs. history, so expect some busts," 28 Apr. 2021 The move follows several weeks of scrutiny of Amazon's labor practices amid a landmark union drive at a Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse. — Clare Duffy, CNN, "Amazon plans to raise wages for 500,000 workers," 28 Apr. 2021 The mayor wants to require City Council approval for any new hotel, anywhere in the city — a layer of scrutiny otherwise reserved for neighborhood-altering projects such as airports, helipads, racetracks, large stadiums and drive-in movie theaters. — New York Times, "A $7 Billion Mistake? New York Seeks to Curb New Hotels.," 27 Apr. 2021 Regardless of what happens to California’s policy after the Supreme Court rules later this year, the larger effects of the case will hinge in part on what standard of judicial scrutiny the Court uses to make its evaluation. — Madeleine Carlisle, Time, "How a Supreme Court Case About Nonprofit Donations Could Affect America's Elections," 25 Apr. 2021 Rhetorically, zu Guttenberg served up highly academic-sounding word-soufflés that collapsed under any amount of scrutiny. — Adrian Daub, The New Republic, "The Weird, Extremely German Origins of the Wirecard Scandal," 21 Apr. 2021 However, Walz said the spotlight of scrutiny should not end with the trial. — Elizabeth Elkind, CBS News, "Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Chauvin verdict: "This is the very basic floor of what should be done"," 21 Apr. 2021 Google already has been sued by federal and state authorities for alleged antitrust violations, but much of that scrutiny has focused on its search and advertising businesses. — John D. Mckinnon, WSJ, "Apple, Google Come Under Fire at Senate Antitrust Hearing," 21 Apr. 2021

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about scrutiny

Dictionary Entries near scrutiny

Statistics for scrutiny

Last Updated

2 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 7 May. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

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

Keep scrolling for more