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

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 scrutinize This is particularly important in sectors where environmental impact is scrutinized, or where there is strong consumer or stakeholder demand for sustainability. —

Christer Holloman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The industry has not been scrutinized as much as other health groups, despite being the primary driver of rising medical costs. —

Maya Goldman, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 The running back position, though, has been heavily scrutinized by Cowboys fans, especially after owner Jerry Jones said Derrick Henry, who is making a case for Offensive Player of the Year with the Baltimore Ravens, wasn’t a target of theirs in free agency. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Nov. 2024 Other companies are being scrutinized for their carbon emissions, too. —

Andi Shae Napier, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrutinize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize

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