inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

1

a

: the act of inspecting

b

: recognition of a familiar pattern leading to immediate solution of a mathematical problem

solve an equation by inspection

2

: a checking or testing of an individual against established standards

Synonyms

• audit
• check
• checkup
• examination
• going-over
• look-see
• review
• scan
• scrutiny
• survey
• view

Examples of inspection in a Sentence

Close inspection of the candles revealed some small defects.

Regular inspections are required of all restaurants in the area.

The barracks are ready for inspection.

Recent Examples on the Web

Two key reforms that DeSantis signed into law in 2022 are central to the dynamic: mandatory building inspections requiring immediate repairs, and mandatory reserve studies requiring associations to save for future maintenance. —Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025

The most recent audit found that the commission needs to complete its limited inspections, which are less thorough checks in between larger comprehensive inspections, and update its processes for evaluating and scheduling jail inspections. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2025

This component classifies requests and forwards to the WAF just the ones needing inspection, such as dynamic content requests, and offloads the WAF by caching responses. —Alexander Krizhanovsky, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Club Tac is a sleepy dive bar with drink specials and a wall of certificates that, upon closer inspection, turn out to be from E Clampus Vitus, a men’s-only organization devoted to the history of the Western Gold Rush. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing inspection

• inspection arms
• on closer inspection
• tour of inspection

Rhymes for inspection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

Kids Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: the act or an instance of inspecting

Medical Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: visual observation of the body in the course of a medical examination compare palpation sense 2

inspect

in-ˈspekt 

verb

Legal Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion

: a careful and critical examination: as

a

: a buyer's examination of goods prior to payment or acceptance especially in accordance with section 2-513 of the Uniform Commercial Code

b

: an examination of articles of commerce to determine their fitness for transportation or sale

c

: an investigation of an applicant for insurance

d

: an examination or survey of a community, of premises, of a facility, or of a vehicle by an authorized person (as to determine compliance with regulations or susceptibility to fire or other hazards)

specifically : administrative search at search

e

: examination of documents, things, or property for purposes of making discovery for trial