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

Examples 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 The legacy media obsessively scrutinizes Trump while fan-worshiping the likes of Kamala Harris. —

Mary Riley, Twin Cities, 24 Nov. 2024 What’s more, AFC said that Riley’s friction with the media would at least be scrutinized by potential NFL suitors. —

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 The young signal-caller was scrutinized on national TV for weeks, some of it fair and some of it foul. —

James Boyd, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 Trump is rewarding people who were most committed to his campaign and not taking the traditional steps to vet them, although some were scrutinized during his search for a vice presidential running mate. —

David Jackson, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrutinize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize

Verb

Toys with sharp edges can cause cuts and other injuries, so parents should carefully examine those toys before allowing play.

Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 29 Nov. 2024
Slowly but surely, the Pentagon is carefully examining whether a robotic assist will help service members carry more for longer downrange.

Jared Keller, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024