Synonyms of scrutinize

scrutinize

verb

ˈskrü-tə-ˌnīz 

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)

the project's time constraints make it impossible for the programmers to scrutinize every line of code, so some bugs should be expected

Synonyms & Similar Words

• examine
• review
• scan
• inspect
• survey
• view
• analyze
• watch
• audit
• check (out)
• oversee
• investigate
• explore
• go over
• dissect
• study
• con
• overlook
• notice
• observe
• peruse
• classify
• parse
• categorize
• comb
• research
• probe
• plumb
• delve (into)
• pore (over)
• reinspect
• pick over
• resurvey
• rereview

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skim
• miss
• glance (at or over)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scrutinize different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scrutinize are examine, inspect, and scan. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

When might examine be a better fit than scrutinize?

The words examine and scrutinize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When is inspect a more appropriate choice than scrutinize?

The words inspect and scrutinize can be used in similar contexts, but inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When could scan be used to replace scrutinize?

In some situations, the words scan and scrutinize are roughly equivalent. However, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scrutinize

Focus on improving the quality of the state's charter schools, including adopting measures to better scrutinize charters where students consistently perform poorly on state testing. —Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 24 July 2025

Federal health officials are scrutinizing a mineral—added to some makeup, medications, and foods—that many people have never thought twice about: talc. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 23 July 2025

After a series of protests against the war in Gaza, followed by police crackdowns and debates over anti-Semitism, American universities (especially elite ones) are having their influential role in political life scrutinized. —Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 21 July 2025

Many are pointing to the findings as further reason to scrutinize the administration's reluctance to provide full transparency over the financier's past connections and the circumstances surrounding his death. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!