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

The commission said this plan allows the county to prohibit or scrutinize developments that don't rely on sustainable water sources. — Holly Santman, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

The case also set off an online frenzy, with internet sleuths scrutinizing the early reports about Wells’s death and launching into speculation. — Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026

In the draft, Kennedy praised a citizen petition by David Kessler, a former head of the Food and Drug Administration, who asked the agency to scrutinize some of the core ingredients used in industrial processing. — Rachel Roubein, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026

Every interaction between the first ladies will be scrutinized for clues about the standing between their countries, Sun said. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!