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
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
Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2026
Zimbabwe’s leadership is facing fresh scrutiny in Washington as the country moves to finalize a constitutional amendment extending the serving president’s term until 2030.
—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
2 July 2026
The wall is under heavy scrutiny for the billions of dollars being dedicated to it when border crossings are at their lowest in decades.
—
Rebecca Santana,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
The Chicago Cubs are struggling and losing ground in the NL Central, with star offseason acquisition Alex Bregman facing intense scrutiny.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrutiny
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Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2026
Zimbabwe’s leadership is facing fresh scrutiny in Washington as the country moves to finalize a constitutional amendment extending the serving president’s term until 2030.
—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
2 July 2026
The wall is under heavy scrutiny for the billions of dollars being dedicated to it when border crossings are at their lowest in decades.
—
Rebecca Santana,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
The Chicago Cubs are struggling and losing ground in the NL Central, with star offseason acquisition Alex Bregman facing intense scrutiny.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for scrutiny
Cite this Entry
“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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