Synonyms of scrutinize

scrutinize

verb

ˈskrü-tə-ˌnīz 

as in to examine

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

the project's time constraints make it impossible for the programmers to scrutinize every line of code, so some bugs should be expected

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skim
• miss
• glance (at or over)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scrutinize different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scrutinize are examine, inspect, and scan. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

When might examine be a better fit than scrutinize?

The words examine and scrutinize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When is inspect a more appropriate choice than scrutinize?

The words inspect and scrutinize can be used in similar contexts, but inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When could scan be used to replace scrutinize?

In some situations, the words scan and scrutinize are roughly equivalent. However, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scrutinize

Black paid Epstein to be his wealth adviser for years and has been scrutinized for his connections to the deceased New York financier in recent months after debate over Epstein’s life surged. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026

Democrats could also withhold new funding, and put further pressure on the Administration through congressional investigations and hearings scrutinizing the Pentagon’s strategy, spending, and conduct of the war. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 5 Nov. 2026

Musk is also weighing a merger of Tesla and SpaceX, a deal that Democratic majorities in Congress could now scrutinize. — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2026

Investors will scrutinize revenue quality, retention, margins and the cost of maintaining the technology. — Nada Usina, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

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