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
The first 50 participants to scan it at each site will earn 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. AFAR Media, 30 Sep. 2025 Physical pieces can still be peeled from packaging and scanned into the app, while digital pieces appear automatically with certain app orders. Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
Danielson said Mickey had multiple skeletal, muscular and brain scans and testing done on him once arriving at the hospital before being discharged the same night. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Sep. 2025 The team gathered regional body-fat measurements, via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, and a combination of MRI scans covering structure, network activity (resting-state fMRI) and white-matter wiring (diffusion), from the UK Biobank. New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan
Verb
  • The New Content Economy, examining the evolving landscape of creators, media, and emerging technologies.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Skordeles said some private sources economists examine include freight data from ports and railroads, industry group data from organizations like the National Association of Realtors, and earnings reports from public companies.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • See the entire database of restaurant inspections here.
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Two of the area's restaurants received a score of 89 or lower on initial inspections.
    Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 3 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, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But Newcastle were hopeful that initial examinations pointed towards a less severe knee problem and, following two separate assessments from specialists, that has proven to be the case.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • An examination of the bodies concluded they were killed hours later.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The initial, pre-construction assessment, published in 2019, surveyed 435 adults living in the neighborhoods impacted by the project, representing 1,629 household members of all ages.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This includes everything from surveying and certifying nursing homes to assisting Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries and overseeing contracts or extra payments to rural ambulance providers.
    Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That's according to an annual Fire and Police Commission audit report of police chases.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Some areas of concern outlined in the audit overlap with the findings in an IndyStar investigation in late September, which unveiled that a top executive at the IEDC was part of decisions to award millions in grant money to entities he or two of his business associates were involved in.
    Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Police and army inspect damage to a house destroyed by debris from a shot down Russian drone in the village of Wyryki-Wola, eastern Poland, on September 10, 2025.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Customs officials inspecting an overseas shipment arriving in Oklahoma discovered an ancient artifact initially thought to be a weapon, federal officials say.
    Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That high number of deaths has prompted public scrutiny, including by those who have lost loved ones from chases.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Although no policies were violated, auditors recommended stronger vetting for revenue-generating contracts, which often escape scrutiny.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scan. Accessed 6 Oct. 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!