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

Steering far from their signature sounds rooted in corridos and reggaetón, the Mexicali and Medellín artists shift between smooth vocal interplay, crafting a tale of complex love — where beauty is both celebrated and scrutinized. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026

Hospitals scrutinized The rhetoric war between Indiana's hospitals and Republican politicians is heating up once again at the Statehouse. —Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026

Local journalists began covering the issue assiduously, scrutinizing public statements for clues as to what would happen to those who were detained. —Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026

Alphabet and Amazon are the next big technology companies in line to have their income statements scrutinized, after the punishing response to Microsoft's earnings this week showed investors have become harder to please. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026