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

Trump has been critical of Colbert, Kimmel and other late-night comedians for years, and during his second administration has regularly threatened to use the power of the FCC to scrutinize their networks. —Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 17 Feb. 2026

However, on Sunday sources told NBC News the investigation was leaning away from people who had previously been scrutinized. —Theresa Braine, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026

Just like that, those same badges celebrated a year earlier were being scrutinized under the harsh glare of a national outcry over policing. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026

Two sources familiar with the investigation told NBC News that authorities are leaning away from several individuals previously scrutinized, including the man whose home was searched Friday night, a man named Carlos who was stopped in a car last week, and any of Guthrie’s relatives. —Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026