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

Use security tools capable of decrypting and inspecting PQC traffic. —Anand Oswal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Though a trial date hasn’t been set for Heuermann, it’s expected to be sometime next year and will see prosecutors call witnesses who can testify to the legitimacy of the DNA, law enforcement that recovered the bodies and medical examiners who inspected the bodies, the official said. —Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a research institute developing the country’s next intercontinental ballistic missile before departing for China to attend a military parade, state media reported on September 2. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025

What is inspected — or who could be involved — are two questions only Crane or Brown could answer. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025