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

Saginaw Donut Shop, at 1029 N. Saginaw Blvd E2, was inspected by the City of Saginaw upon request due to building code violations. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025

At the same time, the FDA lacks the staff to inspect every factory, and the result is that meat receives far more scrutiny than many other products, such as bags of chips and frozen cheese pizzas. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2025

Scientists like me inspect facilities that discharge pollutants into waterways. —Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025

At least one week before your trip, inspect the leaves and branches for pests and eradicate any buggers. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025