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

Footage and images released by the Chilean Navy on the social-media platform X in recent days show Iquique's maritime authority inspecting foreign fishing vessels off the city to verify their compliance with legal regulations and international agreements. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

Images published by The Sun show police officers and investigators in high-visibility vests inspecting the area as onlookers gathered nearby. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025

The letter also accuses the company of failing to hire an independent environmental manager to regularly inspect its construction sites. —Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025

Ferrari technicians inspect supercars on the production line inside the company’s factory in Maranello, Italy, October 2, 2025. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025