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scan

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scan different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scan are examine, inspect, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When is it sensible to use examine instead of scan?

The words examine and scan can be used in similar contexts, but examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When would inspect be a good substitute for scan?

The meanings of inspect and scan largely overlap; however, inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When could scrutinize be used to replace scan?

In some situations, the words scrutinize and scan are roughly equivalent. However, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of scan
Verb
The technology scans the entire genome for single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs—the spots where one person’s genome might have a T, while another’s has a C—for associations with human behaviors. Eric Turkheimer, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025 Over the course of a decade, Rubin will repeatedly scan the entire visible sky, creating a dynamic portrait of cosmic change in the universe. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
Boegler said having children play with the Lego set before their own MRI scans has significantly helped decrease anxiety and increase familiarity with the procedure. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025 The county prosecutor's office said the inmate had to have a head scan and stitches. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan
Verb
  • The roundabout is the appropriate solution to address traffic concerns, said Rob Hananouchi, a traffic engineer who completed a report examining patterns for the project.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The closing panel of the industry program looked at the question in depth, examining the hidden contradictions and complexities of publishing rights and buy-outs in screen music.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some food-safety inspections were temporarily suspended, trash piled up in national parks, federal landmarks and museums closed, and some airports shuttered checkpoints due to fewer Transportation Security Administration officers to screen passengers.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
  • No official report of the inspection was available online.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Overall, Holsendolph, Hill and other Foundation vendors did provide some goods and services to the nonprofit for legitimate fundraising events, according to Jackson documents reviewed by the Herald and Gatlin’s indictment.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement A number of those released on Monday were then airlifted to hospital nearby for further checks after each hostage was given an initial medical examination.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The moral and human cost will be a lasting stain and requires accountability and real examination of our collective conscience and our government’s policies.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Fields couldn’t survey the field long enough to find his targets.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • For the poll, 1,046 Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 were surveyed to gauge the importance of morning routines, and how people prefer to structure their mornings for optimal well-being.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But behind the scenes, Republican insiders say there’s anything but silence about the audit, describing a flurry of private conversations where people from various wings of the party are trying to both deflect and cast blame.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The school agreed to pay $705,000 to resolve the audit issues, plus a $294,000 fine to close the review of its job placement data.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • No major injuries were immediately reported on the scene, though one person involved was taken to the hospital to have his injuries inspected.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt, then inspect the inside.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The outcome may influence how post-service access and disclosure rules are applied—and whether future memoirs face tighter scrutiny.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This is not the first time Air Canada has faced public scrutiny after passengers were forced to sit in seats with other customer’s vomit.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scan. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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