SCAN Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'scan' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scan are examine , inspect , and scrutinize . While all these words mean "to look at or over," scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation. // scanned the wine list

Q: When is it sensible to use 'examine' instead of 'scan'?

The words examine and scan can be used in similar contexts, but examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing. // examined the specimens

Q: When would 'inspect' be a good substitute for 'scan'?

The meanings of inspect and scan largely overlap; however, inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects. // inspected my credentials

Q: When could 'scrutinize' be used to replace 'scan'?

In some situations, the words scrutinize and scan are roughly equivalent. However, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail. // scrutinized the hospital bill

scan 1 of 2

verb

ˈskan

Definition of scan next

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) scanned the manuscript carefully for any overlooked errors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scan

2 of 2

noun

as in inspection

a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition gave the car a good scan to see if it was worth buying

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of scan are examine, inspect, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When is it sensible to use examine instead of scan?

The words examine and scan can be used in similar contexts, but examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When would inspect be a good substitute for scan?

The meanings of inspect and scan largely overlap; however, inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When could scrutinize be used to replace scan?

In some situations, the words scrutinize and scan are roughly equivalent. However, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Examples 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 scan

Verb

Between the lines: Many cybersecurity tools scan endpoints for signs of malicious intruders trying to get in. —

Sam Sabin, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024 Boards of elections could begin processing and scanning absentee ballots on Oct. 8, the first day of early in-person voting. —

Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

New evidence from brain scans suggests that even individual neurons view zero differently. —

The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 29 Oct. 2024 The scans also showed an inverse relationship between the brain regions that enable people to plan, solve problems, and prioritize information–-called executive control domains–and the regions of the brain with more specific functions. —

Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan

Verb

While the review was initiated to examine the leadership structure of the county’s Office of Education, the agency’s investigators quickly pivoted to the education board after hearing numerous complaints from staff, said Mike Fine, CEO of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team.

Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
All students are required to take fine arts and humanities courses as part of their undergraduate core curriculum, with the goal of promoting critical thinking and helping students examine problems through multiple lenses.

Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 14 Nov. 2024