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
To take the tour, look for the teal and white circle signs near the public art installations around the Arts District and scan the QR code. Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025 Data removal services scan people-search sites and brokers, then request the removal of your info. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
These tools don’t need a high-resolution scan or video footage, just a handful of everyday pictures in the cloud. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025 Compared to brain scans and spinal taps for diagnosing Alzheimer’s, blood tests are less invasive and less costly. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for scan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan
Verb
  • Also, take some time to examine the perimeter of your yard to ensure any gates and fences are secure and don’t have any gaps through which your pup can easily escape.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The other top challenge for companies is light, which includes examining the lights' color-rendering index and prioritizing low flickering and warm colors.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Trains cannot resume until safety inspections and equipment checks are completed, meaning contingency bus and light rail services will continue for now.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Traffic reopened in both directions after a preliminary inspection.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Under President Donald Trump, aid is being reviewed, and the U.S. Agency for International Development has been gutted.
    Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 21 May 2025
  • Post-trial motions and sentencing for the now 21-year-old Harvey man who was convicted in Baird’s murder were continued Wednesday in Will County Circuit Court so the defense team could review documents with their client, public defender Samantha Kerins said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • On cross examination, defense lawyers questioned why Morgan has not rekindled her relationship with Ventura.
    Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 19 May 2025
  • Unfortunately, some doctors are forgoing critical examination and relying only on the blood test.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The Baltimore Sun surveyed all the Derby horses from 2022 to 2025 and found that only 10 of the 67 horses ran in both the Derby and Preakness.
    John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
  • The poll, which surveyed 1,175 adults nationwide from May 1 to May 5, found only 35 percent of Democrats are optimistic about the party's future, while 36 percent are pessimistic.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Conduct an audit of your practices to ensure objectivity is embedded into workplace systems and consider different ways to hold leaders accountable for cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • The last audit of the facility was in 2014, over a decade ago, according to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, before the jail located in New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood was opened.
    Ryan Young, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
  • Earlier this month, the North Korean leader supervised a missile test, inspected tank and munitions plants, and made a rare stop at the Russian embassy in Pyongyang to reaffirm the nation's alliance with Moscow.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Ancelotti must solve them at speed and under intense scrutiny.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Trump's administration has faced intense scrutiny for its handling of immigrants in recent months.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 16 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scan. Accessed 30 May. 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!