scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrü-tə-nē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
1
: a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination
2
: a searching look
3
: close watch : surveillance

Examples of scrutiny in a Sentence

the close scrutiny of data I'd never faced that kind of scrutiny before. Because of their past crimes, everything they do now will be subject to scrutiny. Her opinion is based on a careful scrutiny of the text.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Hegseth faces scrutiny after reports of second Signal chat with sensitive information Hegseth shared Yemen attack plans with wife, brother and lawyer: Reports 'Bombs started falling': Why is the 'SignalGate' controversy exploding? Bart Jansen, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025 The joke was a nod to the discussion around Biden’s cognitive decline toward the end of his presidency, which has been the subject of political scrutiny renewed in recent headlines. Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2025 This means the team must anticipate—and draft necessary materials—for any and all legal developments, as well as any resultant corporate issues that could attract scrutiny or raise questions. Andrew Frank, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Sign up for the Defense and National Security newsletter The Defense Department has faced scrutiny in recent weeks over officials’ sharing of sensitive information and several high-profile firings. Tara Suter, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrutiny

Word History

Etymology

Latin scrutinium, from scrutari to search, examine, probably from scruta trash

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrutiny was in 1604

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

scrutiny

noun
scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
: a close inspection : examination

Legal Definition

scrutiny

noun
scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
plural scrutinies
: searching study or inquiry
specifically : judicial investigation of the constitutionality of a statutory classification of persons under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution see also intermediate sense 2, strict scrutiny compare rational basis test

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