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.

The talks began after a 2025 executive order called on federal agencies to scrutinize all contracts, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From MarketWatch

The backdrop to this dispute is a league where every single play is more closely scrutinized than ever.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors are now scrutinizing the strength of a U.S. economy that has proved resilient despite a sluggish job market.

From The Wall Street Journal

The wandering soul scrutinized Clare in return, her expression moving through surprise, curiosity, discomfort, then—when she spotted his empty eye socket—disgust.

From Literature

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