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

• 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

Secondly, regulatory scrutiny and antitrust actions are considerable concerns. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

The meeting was the second time the board sought to address the policy, after a meeting in April was abruptly cancelled following national scrutiny aimed at the Rutherford County's policy. —Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025

But the deal came under intense U.S. scrutiny , while there were concerns that Ford would lose advanced manufacturing tax credits. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 13 July 2025

His arrest has drawn scrutiny on press freedom in the United States. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 12 July 2025

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