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

Though owners are permitted to spend well above the cap, the 2023 collective bargaining agreement has forced teams to manage their finances with more scrutiny. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 9 July 2026

As medicine grew more intertwined with the burgeoning science of chemistry, the medical benefits of spas came under scrutiny. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 9 July 2026

The movie starring Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman has been the subject of intense media scrutiny following Amazon‘s decision to ditch the film last month. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 July 2026

Last May, a $500,000 contract with education consulting firm SYDKIMYL came under scrutiny due to the firm’s owner, Kimberly McGregor, being married to the chief executive in residence for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools at the time, Raki McGregor. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 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