scan 1 of 2

scan

2 of 2

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
Studios collaborated with the Hong Kong Film Archives to digitally restore and remaster these films, which were scanned in 4K from their original camera negatives. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 26 June 2025 The business scans for games, too, helping to create accurate, photo-realistic avatars of, for example, your favorite athletes. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Noun
After initially being taken to a local hospital in Skegness, Horton was transported to Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, England, for various tests and scans to determine the extent of her injury. Erin Clack, People.com, 9 June 2025 The good news is an MRI scan showed no structural damage. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for scan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan
Verb
  • Gi-hun examines Jun-hee’s swollen ankle, which seems impossible to jump on.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • The Congress must thoroughly examine this decision by the Supreme Court to find ways to legislate and protect the Constitutional right to citizenship for all those born in America.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Two key reforms that DeSantis signed into law in 2022 are central to the dynamic: mandatory building inspections requiring immediate repairs, and mandatory reserve studies requiring associations to save for future maintenance.
    Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
  • The most recent audit found that the commission needs to complete its limited inspections, which are less thorough checks in between larger comprehensive inspections, and update its processes for evaluating and scheduling jail inspections.
    Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • In early August 2023, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker formed an Ad Hoc Council Committee on Emergency Medical Response to assess MedStar’s services and review other EMS models.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2025
  • 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, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Italian law dictates that citizens over 80 must renew their license every two years and complete a medical examination that tests mental acuity.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 June 2025
  • That hasn’t, however, extended to a deep examination of last season’s Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • In 2024 data, there were 2,820 software developers surveyed, and in 2023, there were 3,020.
    Amaia Gavica, Idaho Statesman, 22 June 2025
  • But independents don’t like it so far, and even Republicans surveyed narrowly see the bill’s tax policies as not beneficial to their family.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The audit also found that DCF hadn’t followed the law in some cases and had failed to implement internal controls to make sure children stayed safe.
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
  • The audit, released in January 2023, covered fiscal years ending in June 2021 and 2022.
    Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2025
  • The new law also requires school buses to be inspected every 12 months or 50,000 miles and have fire extinguishers and first aid kits on board.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Michael Proctor says crude texts 'don't define me as a person' Proctor's personal text messages, many of which expressed crude comments about Read, came under scrutiny during the first trial.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 June 2025
  • That case, like Khalil’s, raised alarms among civil liberties groups who say the Trump administration is using immigration enforcement to target pro-Palestinian voices on campus — a strategy that is now drawing increasing scrutiny in federal courts.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scan. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!