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

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

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