Synonyms of examine

examine

verb

ig-ˈza-mən 

1

as in to interrogate

to put a series of questions to

the defense attorney was eager to examine her star witness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interrogate
• question
• catechize
• quiz
• pump
• query
• grill
• pick the brains of
• cross-examine
• give the third degree to
• debrief
• sweat
• harass
• annoy
• pester
• cross-question
• canvass
• hound
• poll

2

as in to inspect

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

the customer painstakingly examined the antique piece of furniture from top to bottom before purchasing it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skim
• miss
• glance (at or over)

3

as in to explore

to search through or into

a groundbreaking study that examined the causes of juvenile delinquency

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explore
• investigate
• look (into)
• inquire (into)
• research
• inspect
• delve (into)
• probe
• dig (into)
• study
• check up on
• scan
• view
• check into
• peruse
• sift
• thumb (through)
• browse
• skim (through)
• surf
• reinvestigate
• cruise

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of examine are inspect, scan, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When would inspect be a good substitute for examine?

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

inspected my credentials

In what contexts can scan take the place of examine?

The meanings of scan and examine largely overlap; however, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When is scrutinize a more appropriate choice than examine?

Although the words scrutinize and examine have much in common, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of examine

Investigators are expected to examine snow conditions, weather patterns and terrain factors as part of the review. —Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026

One way the book approaches history is by unfolding across different places and examining the past of each of them. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026

While examining the puree, federal authorities found the elevated levels of patulin. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

Investigators are examining the circumstances of the outing, Moon said, adding that the guide company has been cooperative. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026