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

Several weeks later, the OIG inspected the office with the city's Department of Law present and confirmed the items were in the office, prompting the OIG to underscore the necessity and appropriateness of the inspection. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025

Dealers will inspect and replace the affected product free of charge if necessary. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

The complaint alleges that the defendants failed to properly inspect, maintain and repair the balcony at 242 Stetson Street, resulting in a structural failure that caused McGovern and several others to fall 20 feet to the pavement below. —Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025

As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025