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

The military has reported survivors in a handful of boat strikes — and has faced heavy scrutiny for its handling of those cases. —Joe Walsh, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026

In federal court, the cases have mostly gone uncharged or fallen apart when met with the scrutiny of the courtroom. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

As a result, the department must now either define a narrower project that fits within the constraints of existing law or pursue legislative authorization — potentially exposing the project to greater political risk and public scrutiny. —Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 2 Jan. 2026

The scrutiny extended beyond the cape. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 Jan. 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