inspect

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inspect If your city isn’t listed, either no restaurants there were inspected that month, or none earned a perfect score. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025 Outside lines connecting the propane tank to the home are inspected by the installation company, but the name of that company is not listed in city records, Holman said. Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025 Start by carefully inspecting any new plants for mealybugs before bringing them home. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for inspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect
Verb
  • Last year, the FAA's leadership under the Biden administration established a committee to examine the shortcomings of Part 450.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
  • This would allow the team to examine offset sediment layers and date past quakes, providing a clearer picture of the fault's recurrence rate.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Mer Blue Bog was an ideal location to test out the new scanning technology, the researchers explained.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Using the Rocketbook app, scan your notes and upload them to your favorite cloud service.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the incident, the police said.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Court records reviewed by USA TODAY show the proceedings are on pause pending Presley's 2024 elder abuse case in Los Angeles.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Half of 326 Harvard students surveyed by the school’s undergraduate association and AI safety club were worried about AI’s impact on their job prospects.
    Victoria Feng, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Last year, 13% of LGBTQ youths surveyed by the group reported being threatened with or subjected to the practice.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspect. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inspect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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