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

As a result, Bimini exhibited difficulty breathing, which impacted her quality of life, according to the inspecting APHIS veterinary medical officer. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025

Deputy Public Works Director Carlos Zepeda said the department’s staff inspects the parks on a regular basis, looking out for things that need immediate fixes. —Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2025

These donations generate enough money to buy commercially produced and inspected eggs to supply the food pantry. —Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025

Without the right tools to inspect traffic and understand system health, organizations risk making high-stakes decisions in the dark. —Bruce Kelley, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025