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

Some complaints — like scrutiny over Jacob Elordi’s casting as the famously ethnically ambiguous Heathcliff (more on that in a second) — were valid to consider. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026

Amid increasing scrutiny around the governor’s spending, the House defied DeSantis’ request to renew it. —Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026

The company’s news app is also facing Federal Trade Commission scrutiny. —Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026

Malone characterized the opinion as providing a way for jails to avoid scrutiny and avoid responsibility for properly caring for inmates with serious medical conditions. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 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