Definitions

scrutinize

[skroot-n-ahyz] / ˈskrut nˌaɪz /

VERB

examine closely

Synonyms

STRONGEST

analyze check check out comb consider dissect explore inspect investigate look over peruse pore over probe scan sift watch weigh

STRONG

candle canvass case contemplate dig eyeball overlook peg penetrate pierce search smoke stare study survey view

WEAK

burn up check over eagle-eye get a load of go over with a fine-tooth comb inquire into perlustrate put under a microscope scope scrutinate take the measure of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

forget ignore neglect

STRONG

misunderstand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Our legal system seems well prepared to scrutinize and punish their acts of self-preservation instead of examining the circumstances that made those acts necessary.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

Brennan Gilmore, executive director of Clean Virginia, a political advocacy organization formed to counter Dominion Energy, urged state officials to scrutinize the deal.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Bonta previously announced that his office would closely scrutinize the mammoth transaction, which received final approval from Warner Bros.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

The attorneys general wrote to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins asking him to scrutinize the potential conflicts ahead of the IPO.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Grandma Nell had her stand at the end of the walkway and take off the girl's bonnet so she could scrutinize her and decide that she was indeed Grandpa Willis’s outside child.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English

Vocabulary lists containing scrutinize

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A Raisin in the Sun

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