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 Another major challenge: Regulators have been scrutinizing banking-as-a-service companies more closely, especially in the wake of Synapse’s collapse. —

Stephen Pastis, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 That’s also the case for Peter Doocy, the White House correspondent who relished needling President Biden and his aides, and will now be scrutinized for his handling of Mr. Trump. —

Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 Is there anyone who’s scrutinized the intricacies of this offense more than him? —

Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 In particular, Leavitt would scrutinize images of the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds, and had identified 1,800 variable stars within them. —

Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scrutinize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize

Verb

Founded on the ethos of art as a form of mystic healing, the label reimagines the family heirloom—and invites its patrons to examine their relationship with objects.

— Nia Shumake, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
Each knife in the collection serves as a tactile work of art, designed to be held, examined, and admired.

— Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025