inspect

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 About 30,000 properties have been inspected but their owners have not completed the age and income questionnaire, the release said. Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025 The Health and Human Services Department has been responsible for monitoring infectious diseases, inspecting foods and hospitals and overseeing health insurance programs for nearly half the country. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025 Staff will also explain what to look for when inspecting the hive. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025 Dealers are to inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as well as update the software to monitor the battery, free of charge. James Powel, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect
Verb
  • Investigators also examined two exemplar helicopters, according to the statement.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Forensic investigators will examine the findings for signs of trauma, injury and a cause of death.
    Dawn Klavon, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Off the coast of Sicily, Italy, a scuba diver scanned the seafloor for anything that looked man-made or generally just interesting.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Upon arrival, travelers simply scan a QR code and start their vacation faster.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The airline is also reviewing the incidents to improve future handling and avoid similar situations.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Staff have recently been surveyed about their experiences.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
  • That poll surveyed 1,600 people, with a margin of error of 3.4 percent.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspect. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inspect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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