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
Advertisement When a man’s PSA level is high, doctors typically do a biopsy and, potentially, tests like a CT scan or bone scan to confirm the diagnosis. Angela Haupt, Time, 27 June 2025 The project began in fall 2024 and involved X-ray scans of 4,200 metal artifacts. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 20 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
  • In the film, the trio each examine a different Ms. cover story to honor the legacy of the magazine.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Expect a push for greater transparency in association finances, reserve studies and inspection reports.
    Peter S. Sachs, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • The Bee publishes weekly updates on health inspections across Sacramento County.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Materials reviewed by the FBI included personal details about the victims, including their names, physical descriptions, places of birth, associates and employment history.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Also recommended are: Giving office walk-ins a virtual place in line to reduce wait times at clerk offices, exploring self-service kiosks at major offices and reviewing fees for purchasing vital records.
    Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The Chartered Accountant path relies heavily on examinations and a multiyear internship period—no college credit hours required at all.
    Bryce Welker, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Get that husband of yours to his doctor for a thorough physical and neurological examination.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • In New Mexico, stories and survey data from participating youth helped make the case to legislators that the state should grow and sustain the program with state funds.
    Linda Darling-Hammond, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Five years ago, 33% of companies surveyed used all three, compared to just 22% today.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 1 July 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 initial audit had also found that two other UFLAC officials — former Secretary Adam Walker and former Treasurer Domingo Albarran Jr. — together made more than $530,000 in credit card transactions with no receipts or partial documentation.
    Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The robot can manipulate parts, tend machines, inspect assets and even generate digital twins by capturing reality in high detail.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • With a verdict now imminent almost two months after the trial began, jurors face scrutiny as deliberations kicked off Monday in the Manhattan federal court.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • Plus, who wants to be on the receiving end of box office scrutiny?
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scan. Accessed 12 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!