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
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
Program aligns with antitrust pressure Apple’s shift arrives during intense antitrust scrutiny.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025
Enjoying one of these moments free from scrutiny, the five-foot-five, stocky Smalls playfully picked up the captain’s distinctive floppy hat and pranced around the ship, imitating his mannerisms.
—Big Think, 13 Nov. 2025
Each Oscar cycle elicits scrutiny of who is — or isn’t — nominated in the acting categories.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025
The couple faced scrutiny in 2020 for dumping substantial portions of their portfolio and purchasing new stocks, including in firms making protective equipment, after Congress received briefings on the severity of the coming coronavirus pandemic.
—Josh Funk, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scrutiny
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025
Enjoying one of these moments free from scrutiny, the five-foot-five, stocky Smalls playfully picked up the captain’s distinctive floppy hat and pranced around the ship, imitating his mannerisms.
—Big Think, 13 Nov. 2025
Each Oscar cycle elicits scrutiny of who is — or isn’t — nominated in the acting categories.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025
The couple faced scrutiny in 2020 for dumping substantial portions of their portfolio and purchasing new stocks, including in firms making protective equipment, after Congress received briefings on the severity of the coming coronavirus pandemic.
—Josh Funk, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scrutiny
Cite this Entry
“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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