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

The scientists found that once the male has completed his work, females inspect its nest and others, before choosing the most appealing structure for spawning near the center of the circle. —New Atlas, 3 Jan. 2026

The Coast Guard is the primary federal authority responsible for inspecting commercial riverboats on the nation's inland waterways. —Arkansas Online, 31 Dec. 2025

Take your time to inspect and properly attach the garden hose to the drain valve, and then run the garden hose to a safe drainage location. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025

French customs has inspected more than 320,000 Shein parcels at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, confirming a report by Le Parisien News. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 31 Dec. 2025