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

Paul is facing scrutiny over a 2023 video published by TMZ which shows the reality star yelling, hitting and kicking Mortensen, who is recording, and then pulling his hair and holding him in a headlock. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

The bill comes as new scrutiny is placed not just on the lack of statewide standards, but on whether existing court orders are being followed and enforced. —Julie Watts, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

Non-white participants — including Lindsay and James — encountered heightened scrutiny and racist commentary online. —Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

The bond decision, however, is drawing scrutiny. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 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