Synonyms of inspect

inspect

verb

in-ˈspekt 

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)

inspected the collie before the dog show

Synonyms & Similar Words

• examine
• scan
• review
• survey
• view
• scrutinize
• analyze
• watch
• audit
• oversee
• check (out)
• investigate
• go over
• explore
• con
• notice
• dissect
• study
• overlook
• observe
• peruse
• comb
• parse
• classify
• probe
• plumb
• research
• categorize
• pore (over)
• reinspect
• delve (into)
• pick over
• resurvey
• rereview

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skim
• miss
• glance (at or over)

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inspect are examine, scan, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When can examine be used instead of inspect?

The words examine and inspect 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 might scan be a better fit than inspect?

In some situations, the words scan and inspect are roughly equivalent. However, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When would scrutinize be a good substitute for inspect?

The synonyms scrutinize and inspect are sometimes interchangeable, but scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inspect

At a true farmers market, you’ll likely spot chefs inspecting greens, tasting fruits and plotting that night’s specials — the same approach is available to home cooks willing to shop seasonally and ask questions. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026

Head to a true farmers market on a weekend morning and you’ll likely spot chefs doing exactly that — inspecting greens, tasting fruits and plotting nightly specials of farm-to-table dishes. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026

Run the dishwasher daily, and inspect periodically for damage or signs of rodent activity. —Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 22 May 2026

Qassem looked under the sofa cushions, then asked to inspect the upper floors. —Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 21 May 2026