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

Trump looked around the facility, closely inspecting the coils and other nearby steel products, including household appliances on display. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025

While inspecting the new rail line being built, railroad officials discovered stray voltage from the overhead power lines for the electric trains was going into the rails and the ground. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025

This model is quality refurbished, meaning it’s been inspected, cleaned, and tested to work like new. —New Atlas, 28 May 2025

Natalee Silva, 23, went through the morning ritual: cleaning the stall, filling water bowls, stocking up hay and inspecting the horses for any bumps or cuts. —Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 26 May 2025