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 Department of Homeland Security and the GEO Group, a private company that operates the facility, have pushed back against the allegations, insisting detainees get proper care and treatment, and the facilities are regularly inspected. —Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 29 May 2026

The roof of the apartment block was visibly charred, video footage showed, while response teams and investigators inspected the site of impact Friday morning. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 29 May 2026

And the Luce roll-out in recent days included being inspected by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and having Pope Leo XIV pose next to a white Luce. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 29 May 2026

The city Department of Environmental Protection inspected the sewer infrastructure and determined there was no damage to the system, according to a spokesman. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026