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Synonyms

inspect

American  
[in-spekt] / ɪnˈspɛkt /

verb (used with object)

  1. to look carefully at or over; view closely and critically.

    to inspect every part of the motor.

    Synonyms:
    study, investigate, scrutinize, examine
  2. to view or examine formally or officially.

    The general inspected the troops.


inspect British  
/ ɪnˈspɛkt /

verb

  1. to examine closely, esp for faults or errors

  2. to scrutinize officially (a document, military personnel on ceremonial parade, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • inspectability noun
  • inspectable adjective
  • inspectingly adverb
  • inspection noun
  • inspectional adjective
  • inspective adjective
  • preinspect verb (used with object)
  • quasi-inspected adjective
  • reinspect verb (used with object)
  • self-inspected adjective
  • uninspected adjective
  • well-inspected adjective

Etymology

Origin of inspect

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin inspectus “looked into,” past participle of inspicere “to look into,” from in in- 2 + -spicere, combining form of specere “to look, regard, see”

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.

"You don't get many people mending raw cashmere," said Wade, whose role is to meticulously inspect and darn any defects in the fabric by hand, before it is washed, cut and shipped around the world.

From Barron's

For this, dealers will reprogram the engine control module software, inspect for diagnostic trouble codes and test drive the vehicle.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was staffed by Palestinian Authority border and custom agents, who inspected everyone’s suitcases while being supervised by monitors from the European Union Border Assistance Mission.

From Los Angeles Times

The Navy will handle some functions, including inspecting and accepting the completed ships, the service spokesperson said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under the government's plans, high-risk procedures will only be able to be performed by regulated healthcare professionals and services will be inspected by the Care Quality Commission.

From BBC