as in to examine
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) the project's time constraints make it impossible for the programmers to scrutinize every line of code, so some bugs should be expected

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of scrutinize are examine, inspect, and scan. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

When might examine be a better fit than scrutinize?

The words examine and scrutinize 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 is inspect a more appropriate choice than scrutinize?

The words inspect and scrutinize can be used in similar contexts, but inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When could scan be used to replace scrutinize?

In some situations, the words scan and scrutinize are roughly equivalent. However, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

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 scrutinize Another major challenge: Regulators have been scrutinizing banking-as-a-service companies more closely, especially in the wake of Synapse’s collapse. Stephen Pastis, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 That’s also the case for Peter Doocy, the White House correspondent who relished needling President Biden and his aides, and will now be scrutinized for his handling of Mr. Trump. Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 Is there anyone who’s scrutinized the intricacies of this offense more than him? Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 In particular, Leavitt would scrutinize images of the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds, and had identified 1,800 variable stars within them. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scrutinize 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize
Verb
  • Another review of research studies published in 2022 examined the effects of cold water immersion on humans.
    Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Some companies examine the goals from the previous year and set new ones for the upcoming year.
    Simone Milasas, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But the vaccine skeptic has faced pushback from public health experts as senators ready to review the nomination.
    Julia Mueller, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The Association board expects to review the results and next steps at its March meeting.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • At that gate, Owens walked onto the jet bridge without scanning his boarding pass, prompting airline personnel to remove him from the jet bridge, according to the statement.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The startup lets users create a list of contacts by scanning someone's badge or business card.
    Kerry Flynn, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Northwest Naturals was last inspected in March, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and had no violations.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
  • If no marker appears at the address, the property has not yet been inspected.
    Yoonserk Pyun, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That poll surveyed 1,203 Georgia voters from May 30 to June 3, 2024, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The Tata study surveyed more than 1,300 people across 18 nations representing consumers, along with key related industries including EV manufacturers, charging infrastructure builders, EV fleet adopters and influencers such as policymakers, researchers, urban planners and advocacy groups.
    Ed Garsten, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near scrutinize

Cite this Entry

“Scrutinize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrutinize. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scrutinize

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