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

But the private meeting has since drawn scrutiny from neighborhood leaders and advocates who say the community’s fundamental concerns remain unaddressed. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

Her departure comes amid some bumps for the company, which has been facing Wall Street scrutiny recently over its strategy to maintain growth. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 July 2026

The fatal shooting was the latest case to garner extreme scrutiny and skepticism over Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s tactics and apparent rush to defend those involved. — Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Davido has lived his entire adult life in public, and has weathered celebration, scrutiny, controversy, warranted criticism, deserved accolades, and unimaginable loss under a microscope. — Ivie Ani, VIBE.com, 30 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