SCRUTINIZE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

scrutinize

verb

ˈskrü-tə-ˌnīz

Definition of scrutinize next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 scrutinize Lim, the former Walnut City Council member, said the situation will send a strong signal to political candidates and incumbents, particularly Chinese Americans, to more carefully scrutinize the source of campaign donations. —

Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 Xavier Becerra and unaccompanied migrant children Becerra was scrutinized by several candidates regarding minors who entered the United States without parents or a guardian, and who lack a lawful immigration status. —

Paris Barraza, USA Today, 12 May 2026 On the international stage, his every move is even more closely scrutinized. —

Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026 Also scrutinized were the effects of combat on drone operators themselves. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrutinize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize

Verb

After examining replays, Vazquez was awarded his first career MLS goal instead of it being deemed an own-goal.

— Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
The research team examined the molar with a micro-CT scan and a scanning electron microscope.

— Ari Daniel, NPR, 13 May 2026