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Definition of scrutinizenext
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 But with Jensen’s play being scrutinized in recent weeks after returning from hip surgery, as well as Jordan Spence’s placements in the lineup, questions will persist about whether the Senators should add another defenceman. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026 In just a few short years, Mescal has become one of the busiest and most scrutinized actors in the world. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026 Members of Congress have also begun scrutinizing the deployments, raising concerns about civil liberties and the growing use of military forces in civilian settings. Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025 While Venezuelan authorities took initial action, investigators in Spain were also scrutinizing Shasta’s operations. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrutinize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrutinize
Verb
  • The hour-long discussion will examine current trends in infant mortality, explore medical, environmental, and policy-related factors that may influence outcomes, and address the critical questions parents and policymakers are asking about protecting the health of infants and young children.
    Bill Wachsberger, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Another way to check for ripeness is by examining the seeds.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • After scanning the code, the recipients might be prompted to provide personal or financial information or to download malicious software.
    Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Marvel has publicly acknowledged that the studio's productions often scan actors' bodies, though the scans are generally only used for visual effects purposes rather than storing actors' likenesses for future projects.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Swiss bar hit by a deadly fire in the early hours of New Year’s Day had not been inspected in five years, local authorities said Tuesday.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
  • If your city isn’t listed, either no restaurants there were inspected that month, or none earned a perfect score.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Skyscanner, in partnership with OnePoll, an international market research company, surveyed 22,000 travelers from June to July 2025.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Click on a specific matchup that interests you to survey the options.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scrutinize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrutinize. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on scrutinize

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