scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrü-tə-nē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
1
: a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination
2
: a searching look
3
: close watch : surveillance

Examples of scrutiny in a Sentence

the close scrutiny of data I'd never faced that kind of scrutiny before. Because of their past crimes, everything they do now will be subject to scrutiny. Her opinion is based on a careful scrutiny of the text.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Amid Trump’s current presidential run, scrutiny of his funding sources continues, with a member of the Scottish parliament calling for an investigation as recently as this month. Dan Alexander, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 But according to Voting Rights Lab, drop boxes have come under scrutiny by politicians and election officials, and 12 states have enacted bills banning or restricting drop boxes, half of which outright ban them. Chris Boyette, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024 Militias largely retreated from the streets after the January 6 Capitol riot exposed them to intense public and legal scrutiny, which was intensified by the prosecution of dozens of Oath Keepers. Tess Owen, WIRED, 29 Oct. 2024 Hathaway’s anniversary tribute to the film comes after speaking earlier this year about the pivotal part director Nolan, 54, played in helping with her career after facing significant scrutiny online. Escher Walcott, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrutiny 

Word History

Etymology

Latin scrutinium, from scrutari to search, examine, probably from scruta trash

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrutiny was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near scrutiny

Cite this Entry

“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrutiny

noun
scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
: a close inspection : examination

Legal Definition

scrutiny

noun
scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
plural scrutinies
: searching study or inquiry
specifically : judicial investigation of the constitutionality of a statutory classification of persons under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution see also intermediate sense 2, strict scrutiny compare rational basis test

More from Merriam-Webster on scrutiny

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