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

Democratic lawmakers have called for transparency regarding DOGE's access to Americans' information, and a coalition of senators recently sent a letter to the acting IRS commissioner requesting clarification on what data DOGE is trying to inspect. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

Next, inspect the air filter and replace it if it has not been recently replaced. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2025

Show up every two weeks at your teams’ sprint reviews to inspect the work of each team individually. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

There’s time for kids to inspect elephant dung, find bones, collect guinea fowl feathers, and make castings of lion paw prints, plus let loose in waterfalls, try catch-and-release fishing, and learn to throw spears. —Kathryn Romeyn, AFAR Media, 11 Feb. 2025