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.

Investors continue to scrutinize geopolitical and military developments out of the Middle East as a major factor influencing markets.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

But investors have also come to scrutinize the companies that are pouring so much money into AI hardware.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

They scrutinize data points like opening weekend sales, actors’ salaries and how a film did in China.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

The Europeans will likewise scrutinize the billions of dollars of foreign cash pouring into this thing.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

“Honestly, I’m not hungry,” I insisted, looking up to scrutinize his face.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

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