inspect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inspect different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of inspect are examine, scan, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When can examine be used instead of inspect?

The words examine and inspect 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 might scan be a better fit than inspect?

In some situations, the words scan and inspect are roughly equivalent. However, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When would scrutinize be a good substitute for inspect?

The synonyms scrutinize and inspect are sometimes interchangeable, but scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inspect Each item was then tagged, ironed, and inspected again. Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 That living room draws you in to sit close to the window and inspect the landscape from that location. Sid Evans, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025 The blind pigeon, named Kevin, accidentally got into the truck bed of a customer whose pickup had been inspected at the business earlier in the day. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025 Most bags, approximately 95 percent, pass this screening and don’t need to be physically inspected by a TSA officer. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect
Verb
  • Fashion and sociology experts say that, when examining the significance of any bold fashion statement such as Robbie's, context plays an important role.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This fall, the Louis Vuitton men’s creative director examines the transatlantic cultural exchange that was central to classic collegiate style, marrying rowing aesthetics with dandyism.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The advisory, issued on August 20 by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), urged agencies to scan chargers, roadside weather stations, and traffic cameras for rogue radios or other components embedded in inverters and batteries.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
  • On the flip side, secrecy triggers hypervigilance, where one partner obsessively scans for signs of deception or hidden threats, and naturally so given the suspicious nature of the matter.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Here's the latest about the Arizona location Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • New residential property prices fell year-on-year during August in 65 out of 70 cities surveyed by the NBS, data also showed.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Simon-Kucher also has a new holiday shopping report, which surveyed consumers in July, and is forecasting Gen Z shoppers to reduce their holiday shopping budget by only 1%, from $814 to $805, while Millennials will be spending 14% more year over year.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspect. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inspect

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