as in examining
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
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Recent Examples of scrutinizing
With more Americans scrutinizing ingredient lists and where their food comes from, the restaurant is betting that simpler recipes, cleaner labels and farm-fresh sourcing will win trust — and taste buds.
—
Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
To help make up for those losses, the chain must reduce costs by scrutinizing leases and streamlining operations, which could mean more locations close.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
And some conservatives are scrutinizing the utility’s DEI training and calling for an overhaul of the electric company.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
The DeSantis administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has released a report scrutinizing local government spending, including in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
The state’s Department of Governmental Efficiency started scrutinizing various county and city governments last year.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
Investors are increasingly scrutinizing spending forecasts and focusing on how companies will be able to turn a profit to justify their expenditures.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
In late 2025, the Justice Department began scrutinizing Martin and Pulte's role in the Schiff investigation, after prosecutors issued a grand jury subpoena to a key witness in the case.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
Several states are scrutinizing hospital fees for outpatient care and consumer advocates urge better protections and disclosure for patients.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
To help make up for those losses, the chain must reduce costs by scrutinizing leases and streamlining operations, which could mean more locations close.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
And some conservatives are scrutinizing the utility’s DEI training and calling for an overhaul of the electric company.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
The DeSantis administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has released a report scrutinizing local government spending, including in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
The state’s Department of Governmental Efficiency started scrutinizing various county and city governments last year.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
Investors are increasingly scrutinizing spending forecasts and focusing on how companies will be able to turn a profit to justify their expenditures.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
In late 2025, the Justice Department began scrutinizing Martin and Pulte's role in the Schiff investigation, after prosecutors issued a grand jury subpoena to a key witness in the case.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
Several states are scrutinizing hospital fees for outpatient care and consumer advocates urge better protections and disclosure for patients.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinizing
Verb
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As a rule, examining Polish posters of this ilk, and trying to guess which films are being publicized, is a deliciously difficult sport.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
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The Dallas Morning News is launching a reader survey as part of a project examining how affordable parenthood is in North Texas — and where families feel the biggest strain.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said during a press conference on Wednesday that officials are reviewing the company’s decision to approve the expedition after forecasts warned of extreme conditions.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Cops were reviewing the surveillance footage in an attempt to figure out how the shooting unfolded and identify the killer.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The drones automatically adapt scanning parameters based on environmental conditions while stabilizing flight to counter strong airflow inside freezer aisles.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Once active, nearby cameras begin scanning automatically.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ed Cooley’s head was on a swivel during the national anthem Saturday night, surveying the crowd at Gampel Pavilion.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
15 Feb. 2026
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After surveying the market and their meager remaining financial resources, the Rangers signed Canha to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Engineers were expected to purge the rocket of liquid propellants during the weekend and continue inspecting ground equipment before replacing a filter suspected to be the cause of the problem.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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This includes checking for the aforementioned signs, such as yellow leaves, spots, speckles, and stickiness, but most importantly, inspecting the plants for bugs and eggs on their leaves, containers, and surrounding areas.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scrutinizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrutinizing. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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