scrutinize

especially British, scru·ti·nise

[skroot-n-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

scrutinized, scrutinizing 

1. to examine in detail with careful or critical attention.

   Synonyms: search, study, investigate

verb (used without object)

scrutinized, scrutinizing 

1. to conduct a scrutiny.

   Synonyms: search, study, investigate

scrutinize

/ ˈskruːtɪˌnaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to examine carefully or in minute detail

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrutinize¹

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

Example Sentences

“It’s a very vulnerable position to be in when somebody is manipulating your hair, especially as a Black woman, when our hair is so scrutinized in the outside world,” says Tseggai.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s not that Garrett is questioning survivors; rather, she’s examining all sides of a campaign for justice, and scrutinizing the cracks in our culture’s response to assault, recesses where ill-intentioned agitators can make themselves comfortable.

From Salon

This is exactly the type of merger that U.S. antitrust agencies have historically scrutinized because of concerns that excessive market concentration gives too much power to a few companies.

From Salon

Human Rights Council to appoint independent investigators to scrutinize “kidnapping arrests, prolonged detentions without due process of law and the brutal excessive use of force.”

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than scrutinize Discord and other social platforms, Levin said, Congress would be better served examining the evolving nature of extremism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analyze 
• check 
• check out 
• comb 
• consider 
• dissect 
• explore 
• inspect 
• investigate 
• look over 
• peruse 
• pore over www.thesaurus.com
• probe 
• scan 
• sift 
• watch 
• weigh