inspect

verb

in·​spect in-ˈspekt How to pronounce inspect (audio)
inspected; inspecting; inspects

transitive verb

1
: to view closely in critical appraisal : look over
2
: to examine officially
inspects the barracks every Friday
inspective adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for inspect

scrutinize, scan, inspect, examine mean to look at or over.

scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

Examples of inspect in a Sentence

She had the car inspected by a mechanic before she bought it. The candles are inspected for damage before being packaged. After the storm, we went outside to inspect the damage. He inspected the soldiers' barracks. inspecting a restaurant for health code violations
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Dealers are to inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as well as update the software to monitor the battery, free of charge. James Powel, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025 Both will be inspected for damage, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said. Ross Adkin, Alex Stambaugh and Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025 Of course, construction sites should have them, but many of the sheds are also erected by landlords complying with the decades-old Local Law 11, which requires them to have their building façades inspected every five years. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2025 Staff will also explain what to look for when inspecting the hive. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inspect

Word History

Etymology

Latin inspectus, past participle of inspicere, from in- + specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspect was circa 1623

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspect. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

inspect

verb
in·​spect in-ˈspekt How to pronounce inspect (audio)
1
: to examine closely (as for judging quality or condition)
inspect meat
2
: to view and examine officially
inspect the troops

Legal Definition

inspect

transitive verb
in·​spect
1
: to view closely and critically
2
: to examine officially
inspect the facility for code violations

intransitive verb

: to make an inspection

More from Merriam-Webster on inspect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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