SCRUTINIZE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

scrutinize

verb

ˈskrü-tə-ˌnīz

Definition of scrutinize next

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

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 scrutinize The Justice Department is scrutinizing a statement Carroll made in the course of the civil litigation that no one else was paying her legal fees. —

Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 That’s part of why the 65-game rule is constantly scrutinized. —

Tony East, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Paxton has also been scrutinized for reportedly not disclosing some of his properties and claiming multiple homes as his primary residence. —

Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026 Federal Judge Kathleen Williams of Miami District Court accordingly ordered the case dismissed with prejudice, while noting that the move cancels an upcoming deadline related to her efforts to scrutinize the matter. —

Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrutinize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize

Verb

In a 2015 meta-analysis published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, researchers examined studies on a specific type of cognitive training known as the n-back task.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Historian Georg Kreis, who has served on several panels examining Switzerland’s role during the Nazi era, suggested the Fondation Beyeler could help mediate between Schweitzer’s heir and the work’s current owner.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 May 2026