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

The firing is sure to trigger even more scrutiny of CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss and her controversial efforts to overhaul the network news division. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 June 2026

Yet social media companies largely escape scrutiny while parents and teenagers absorb the full weight of public condemnation. —Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026

The controversial fund has faced scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as well as in court. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Her music owned up to being horny, garish, and superficial, but could scan as thin or cheap when held up to other kinds of ethical or political scrutiny. —Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 June 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