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

Relevance

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

All guests will be searched and have their belongings scanned. —

Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 9 Dec. 2024 Ford’s team ditched the tape measure for a digital twin, scanning 1,000 sqm (10,764 sq ft) of footprint, floor to ceiling, every weekend. —

Alex Christian, WIRED, 8 Dec. 2024

Noun

For those with normal bone density, scans may be repeated every 10–15 years, while women with osteopenia or osteoporosis may require monitoring every 1–5 years. —

Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2024 From scan to creation: The effortless Lego building process The process of creating Lego models with Brick My World is pretty simple. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan

Verb

Frank will examine topics such as private capital, taxes, wealth migration, philanthropy, real estate, collectibles, fine art, and luxury transportation.

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
Set during 18 pivotal months in the early 1970s, the film examines the couple’s time living in Greenwich Village, New York City, when their personal and creative worlds collided.

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024