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

He was assigned to staff the screening checkpoint and inspect bags at Palm Springs International Airport, an indoor-outdoor facility at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, a few hours’ drive east of Los Angeles. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2025

The recall includes the following V8-engine models: 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban and Tahoe; GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL To fix the problem, dealers will inspect the engine for repair or replacement free of charge, GM states in the recall. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2025

The Tarrant County Jail welcomes outside agencies to come into our jail and inspect our facility. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2025

Today, mining engineers design and inspect underground systems, facing cave-ins, methane explosions, and toxic air pollution. —Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025