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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 commercial sailor scratched the tickets enough to reveal the QR codes, and then had the clerk scan them, lottery officials said. Sara Schilling, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025 The antivirus will also scan for security vulnerabilities, abnormal system setting changes, and tracking cookies. PC Magazine, 20 July 2025
Noun
The incident occurred just after 4:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, July 16, when a 61-year-old man, later identified as Keith McAllister, entered an MRI room during a scan in Westbury, N.Y. Jillian Frankel, People.com, 21 July 2025 Police were told that 61-year-old Keith McAllister was wearing a large metallic chain around his neck and had entered an MRI room while a scan was in progress. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for scan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan
Verb
  • Their main goal was to examine an area of the river where a magnet fisherman had found an anchor.
    Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
  • This study examines the ratio of the income floor for the top 20% of earners to the income ceiling for the bottom 20% of earners.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Exceptions for medically necessary items will be made after inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
  • Three Fort Worth restaurants were ordered to close and three were noted to have issues with roaches in the latest round of city health inspections, according to the inspection report.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2025
  • The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to review security camera footage for suspicious activity after three residential burglaries in Emerald Hills and Portola Valley this week.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • During a vigorous cross examination, prosecutors parsed through his story, questioning him on his history with police officers.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
  • The investigative department of the regional department of the Investigative Committee (IC) of Russia has now organized a procedural examination into the circumstances of the attack, the outlets reported.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • The rooms come with binoculars to encourage you to cozy up and survey the Pacific for whales, dolphins, songbirds and more.
    Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • In August of 2022, the last time Marquette University Law School pollster surveyed voters about Walker, 42% of voters had a favorable view of Walker and 49% had an unfavorable view, according to poll director Charles Franklin.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • The audit discovered that in one instance, the Veterans Health Administration awarded $30,000 in relocation payments to an employee who never moved, the release noted.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
  • Lawrie said, in response to the audit, that the district is implementing a new formula to make caseloads more manageable starting next fall, that the district is trying to let staff air their concerns in roundtables and that collaboration among special education staff has improved.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Outside lines connecting the propane tank to the home are inspected by the installation company, but the name of that company is not listed in city records, Holman said.
    Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Secondly, regulatory scrutiny and antitrust actions are considerable concerns.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The meeting was the second time the board sought to address the policy, after a meeting in April was abruptly cancelled following national scrutiny aimed at the Rutherford County's policy.
    Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scan. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

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