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

For example, an organization reaches $100 million in valuation and is being scrutinized during an audit or through an acquisition process. —Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

They’re sent down to the minors, cut, traded and scrutinized, often in a very public way. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 11 May 2025

Meanwhile, the external engagements that are most scrutinized are Pride festivals or related event sponsorships, third-party surveys or corporate rankings, and donations or support for LGBTQ+-focused nonprofit organizations. —Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 8 May 2025

More: Trump border and tariff plans scrutinized on Capitol Hill, Canada PM visits: live updates Yet Trump has signaled multiple times in recent weeks that trade talks with China are underway. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 7 May 2025

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