scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrü-tə-nē 

ˈskrüt-nē

plural scrutinies

1

: a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination

2

: a searching look

3

: close watch : surveillance

Synonyms

• audit
• check
• checkup
• examination
• going-over
• inspection
• look-see
• review
• scan
• survey
• view

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

The Fort Worth Independent School District’s new executive director of transportation presented his plans to turn around a department clouded by a poor reputation and recent scrutiny by its workers. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025

Now, Hochul is forcing a ban through the budget, bypassing public scrutiny and accountability. —N. Goldberg, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025

Whipple had his own reasons for wondering if the Biden staff was shielding the president from scrutiny. —Terry Gross, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025

In Connecticut, there are several critical projects underway that deserve immediate scrutiny. —Sharon E. Lewis, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2025

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

Phrases Containing scrutiny

• self-scrutiny
• under scrutiny

Rhymes for scrutiny

• mutiny

Kids Definition

scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē 

ˈskrüt-nē

plural scrutinies

: a close inspection : examination

Legal Definition

scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē 

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