SCRUTINIZE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

scrutinize

verb

ˈskrü-tə-ˌnīz

Definition of scrutinize next

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Members of Congress are scrutinizing Epstein’s death and have called Noel to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is reviewing the federal government’s investigation into Epstein. —

Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026 Conflicts of interests and warning signs Records show Cal Fire investigators had reason to scrutinize Devastating Pyrotechnics before the Esparto explosion but did not. —

Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026 Would accepting the money open up institutions to broader investigations, like the 52 universities scrutinized over their DEI practices? —

ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026 Elias Tsapelas, director of state budget and fiscal policy at the Show-Me Institute, a Missouri free market think tank, said eliminating the income tax would help the state compete for residents and business, while also providing lawmakers an opportunity to scrutinize state spending. —

Kevin Hardy, States Newsroom, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrutinize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize

Verb

Investigators continue to probe for answers in Sunday's deadly collision at LaGuardia Airport, as officials examine why a runway safety system failed to issue an alert before a Port Authority fire truck crashed into a landing passenger airplane.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Rendering examines how artificial intelligence is disrupting the entertainment industry, taking you inside key battlegrounds and spotlighting change makers wielding the technology for good and ill.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026