INSPECT Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inspect

verb

in-ˈspekt

Definition of inspect next

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) inspected the collie before the dog show

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 inspect Engineers and developers say requirements to inspect the condition of neighboring buildings before any construction can start already are strict. —

Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 The Duchess of Sussex postponed the release of her Netflix show With Love, Meghan on Sunday after inspecting the rubble of homes ravaged by fire on Friday. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 When Athearn describes the process of constructing a trail, my brain breaks a little—the scouting and inspecting and permitting and staging and building and maintaining. —

Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 2 Jan. 2025 Owners are advised to inspect and tighten the clamps before driving until the repair is completed. —

Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inspect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect

Verb

Created by the Anne Frank House and presented in partnership with the Center for Jewish History, the entire installation aims to examine Anne Frank’s life — and death — with a scope not often found in other treatments of this chapter in history.

— Laurel Graeber, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
According to Scheer, the league will examine more than 20 proposals from interested parties.

— Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025