SCAN Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'scan' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scan are examine , inspect , and scrutinize . While all these words mean "to look at or over," scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation. // scanned the wine list

Q: When is it sensible to use 'examine' instead of 'scan'?

The words examine and scan can be used in similar contexts, but examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing. // examined the specimens

Q: When would 'inspect' be a good substitute for 'scan'?

The meanings of inspect and scan largely overlap; however, inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects. // inspected my credentials

Q: When could 'scrutinize' be used to replace 'scan'?

In some situations, the words scrutinize and scan are roughly equivalent. However, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail. // scrutinized the hospital bill

scan 1 of 2

verb

ˈskan

Definition of scan next

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) scanned the manuscript carefully for any overlooked errors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scan

2 of 2

noun

as in inspection

a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition gave the car a good scan to see if it was worth buying

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of scan are examine, inspect, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When is it sensible to use examine instead of scan?

The words examine and scan can be used in similar contexts, but examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When would inspect be a good substitute for scan?

The meanings of inspect and scan largely overlap; however, inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When could scrutinize be used to replace scan?

In some situations, the words scrutinize and scan are roughly equivalent. However, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Examples 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 scan

Verb

These tools can scan apps for malware, detect suspicious activity and block harmful downloads. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2025 Using artificial intelligence, their tool scanned for faces in the wearer’s field of vision, searched for online matches and brought up biographical information about the person almost instantly. —

Kevin Collier, NBC News, 7 Jan. 2025

Noun

After Cigna refused to reimburse for the scans, Hsu’s employer, in an unusual step, agreed to pay for them out of pocket. —

Gretchen Morgenson, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024 The scans produce detailed 2D images that a computer can combine to form three-dimensional (3D) images. —

Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 25 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan

Verb

California Tiny burning embers flew miles, causing L.A. fire destruction on historic scale Jan. 9, 2025 During the autopsy, which determines the manner and cause of a person’s death, pathologists will also examine the body for identifying features.

Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
No other defendant in the cases examined received an unconditional discharge.

Kate Christobek, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025