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

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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

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 scrutinize Lauren's history with the criminal justice system has been scrutinized in the days since Zettel's killing, with friends and others calling her death preventable. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025 The collective failure to scrutinize this evidence, Zumot argued, deprived a jury of the opportunity to fairly assess his credibility and the prosecution’s case against him. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025 People have scrutinized everything Swift has said and everything Kelce has said for clues. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2025 Both Cincinnati's mayor and city manager have scrutinized the performance of Police Chief Teresa Theetge after the city once again became fodder in the national conversation about crime. Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrutinize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize
Verb
  • The roundabout is the appropriate solution to address traffic concerns, said Rob Hananouchi, a traffic engineer who completed a report examining patterns for the project.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The closing panel of the industry program looked at the question in depth, examining the hidden contradictions and complexities of publishing rights and buy-outs in screen music.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Gathering Communist Party elites will review China’s upcoming five-year plan, an economic blueprint whose direction is strictly dictated by top leadership in the authoritarian state.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The agency prepared the report as part of an effort to review all major railroads to address safety concerns after a 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Many iPhone users have long wanted an easier way to edit, annotate and scan documents without relying on third-party tools.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Carefully scan the road ahead while driving.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Customs and Border Protection officers discovered the artifacts while inspecting parcels enroute from overseas shippers to private collectors, including a person in Edgewater, Maryland.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Have your heating unit inspected annually.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The report, which surveyed 1,000 students, 1,000 parents and 800 teachers, reveals how AI has quietly become a companion in students' personal lives.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Paul Eskenazi, the location manager, worried about the construction chaos but recalls Carter’s surveying the unfinished rooms and immediately recognizing their potential.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scrutinize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrutinize. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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