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

The firearms were being processed and examined as part of the investigation. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Why Perimenopause Is So Often Misidentified A December 2025 preprint in medRxiv examining perimenopause uncertainty among more than 7,600 US women found that one in three were unsure of their reproductive stage, with barriers to clinical confirmation among the key drivers. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026

Deniz was examined by the NYPD Mounted Unit's veterinarian in March and determined to be fit, the union said. —Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 10 June 2026

Steve thought this was a way to examine American culture. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 June 2026