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

Anyone who’s ever had a pet has spent countless hours staring into the animal’s beady eyes, scrutinizing every micro-twitch and squint in hopes of interpreting what the creature might be thinking. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 20 May 2025

But this sort of work would require close collaboration with Chinese researchers, at just the time when those collaborations are being scrutinized or canceled. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 May 2025

Yang said the company scrutinizes the comments section on Chinese and U.S. e-commerce websites to improve its products. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 20 May 2025

As a result of that assignment, Sasaki’s fastball has been scrutinized throughout his rookie season. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 14 May 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!