scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrü-tə-nē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
1
: a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination
2
: a searching look
3
: close watch : surveillance

Examples of scrutiny in a Sentence

the close scrutiny of data I'd never faced that kind of scrutiny before. Because of their past crimes, everything they do now will be subject to scrutiny. Her opinion is based on a careful scrutiny of the text.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The incoming president is likely to lighten regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency — sending Bitcoin price skyward. Peter Cohan, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 It’s been so difficult because of the scrutiny and all the context that has been around us has been extremely hard for us. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 The diversity of the three eventual victors has been a major talking point given the post-publication scrutiny Rowling has faced down the years over representation in the books, and given that Hermione was played by a Black actor in Jack Thorne’s theater adaptation The Cursed Child. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024 Going private would reduce the scrutiny Walgreens receives as a public company. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrutiny 

Word History

Etymology

Latin scrutinium, from scrutari to search, examine, probably from scruta trash

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrutiny was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near scrutiny

Cite this Entry

“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrutiny

noun
scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
: a close inspection : examination

Legal Definition

scrutiny

noun
scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē How to pronounce scrutiny (audio)
plural scrutinies
: searching study or inquiry
specifically : judicial investigation of the constitutionality of a statutory classification of persons under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution see also intermediate sense 2, strict scrutiny compare rational basis test

More from Merriam-Webster on scrutiny

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