Synonyms

scrutinize

American

[skroot-n-ahyz] / ˈskrut nˌaɪz /

especially British, scrutinise

verb (used with object)

scrutinized, scrutinizing

to examine in detail with careful or critical attention.

Synonyms:

search, study, investigate

verb (used without object)

scrutinized, scrutinizing

to conduct a scrutiny.

Synonyms:

search, study, investigate

scrutinize British

/ ˈskruːtɪˌnaɪz /

verb

(tr) to examine carefully or in minute detail

"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

rescrutinize verb (used with object)
scrutinization noun
scrutinizer noun
scrutinizingly adverb
self-scrutinized adjective
self-scrutinizing adjective
unscrutinized adjective
unscrutinizing adjective
unscrutinizingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of scrutinize

First recorded in 1665–75; scrutin(y) + -ize

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.

Will this be the most scrutinized event of these Games?

From The Wall Street Journal

There’s no crucible more scrutinized in the sport than the Olympic Games.

From Los Angeles Times

Olka gestured to my grandmother, who held her paintbrush between her teeth as she scrutinized the canvas.

From Literature

The CEO job requires not only running a sprawling empire but also serving as its high-profile, and highly scrutinized, public ambassador.

From The Wall Street Journal

They make introductions to defense companies, scrutinize business deals with foreign partners to make sure they won’t raise flags with the Pentagon, and give advice about whom to meet on Capitol Hill.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023