Synonyms of inspect

inspect

verb

in-ˈspekt 

as in to examine

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

inspected the collie before the dog show

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skim
• miss
• glance (at or over)

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inspect are examine, scan, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When can examine be used instead of inspect?

The words examine and inspect 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 might scan be a better fit than inspect?

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

scanned the wine list

When would scrutinize be a good substitute for inspect?

The synonyms scrutinize and inspect are sometimes interchangeable, but scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inspect

This includes checking for the aforementioned signs, such as yellow leaves, spots, speckles, and stickiness, but most importantly, inspecting the plants for bugs and eggs on their leaves, containers, and surrounding areas. —Molly Burford, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026

In early February, Delaney inspected five holding rooms that hold up to 226 people. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026

The audit also recommends the city aim to boost the value of its golf properties by strengthening its evaluations of course operators, studying revenue trends, inspecting courses more frequently and requiring operators to pay for renovations. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

However, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog — the International Atomic Energy Agency — has been unable for months to inspect and verify Iran’s nuclear stockpile. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026