Synonyms of scan

scan 1 of 2

verb

ˈskan 

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)

scanned the manuscript carefully for any overlooked errors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• examine
• review
• survey
• inspect
• view
• analyze
• watch
• scrutinize
• check (out)
• audit
• oversee
• go over
• study
• explore
• investigate
• con
• notice
• dissect
• peruse
• overlook
• probe
• observe
• research
• comb
• parse
• classify
• categorize
• pore (over)
• delve (into)
• plumb
• reinspect
• pick over
• resurvey
• rereview

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skim
• miss
• glance (at or over)

scan

2 of 2

noun

as in inspection

a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition

gave the car a good scan to see if it was worth buying

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inspection
• examination
• audit
• survey
• scrutiny
• review
• check
• view
• checkup
• analysis
• study
• investigation
• look-see
• research
• probe
• going-over
• dissection
• exploration
• assay
• recheck
• deconstruction
• interrogation
• perusal
• inquisition
• observation
• close-up
• watch
• surveillance
• reinspection
• resurvey
• checkout
• once-over
• trial run
• test-drive

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

Recent Examples of scan

Verb

As Brighton combined around the edge of the box before slipping the ball in behind to Yankuba Minteh, Raya continuously scanned the space in front of him and made small adjustments to his positioning to stay connected to both the ball and the runners around him. —Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 10 May 2026

Look for a service that monitors all three major credit bureaus, scans the dark web and alerts you to suspicious changes tied to your identity. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026

Noun

Bradley was urgently referred to neurology and had a second MRI scan with a special dye at Southmead Hospital in Bristol two days later. —Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026

For example, brain scans of DIAN family members helped scientists discover how Alzheimer's begins. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 7 May 2026