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

That was a driving question as reporters Carrie Teegardin and Danny Robbins set out to examine how the state was responding to practitioners touting unproven and disproven health treatments. —Carrie Teegardin, AJC.com, 17 June 2026

The report from StockX also examined how soccer fanbases worldwide have been spending on the secondary market. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 17 June 2026

To achieve this, Pranada’s team began the project by examining traditional lithium-ion batteries. —Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026

The probe will also likely examine maintenance records, especially after Smith's widow told local outlet KTLA the plane was experiencing issues on the Friday before the fatal crash, causing the flight to be delayed. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026