scrutinize

[ skroot-n-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, scru·ti·nized, scru·ti·niz·ing.

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

   Synonyms: search, study, investigate

verb (used without object)

, scru·ti·nized, scru·ti·niz·ing.

1. to conduct a scrutiny.

   Synonyms: search, study, investigate

scrutinize

/ ˈskruːtɪˌnaɪz /

verb

1. tr to examine carefully or in minute detail

Derived Forms

• ˈscrutiˌnizer, noun

Other Words From

• scruti·ni·zation noun
• scruti·nizer noun
• scruti·nizing·ly adverb
• re·scruti·nize verb (used with object) rescrutinized rescrutinizing
• self-scruti·nized adjective
• self-scruti·nizing adjective
• un·scruti·nized adjective
• un·scruti·nizing adjective
• un·scruti·nizing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrutinize¹

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

Example Sentences

The UK Law Commission, an academic body that reviews laws and recommends reforms when needed, is currently scrutinizing those related to online abuse.

From MIT Technology Review

Christo Wilson at Northeastern had scrutinized algorithms before, including those that drive Uber’s surge pricing and Google’s search engine.

From MIT Technology Review

In June, squirrels began crossing my path, leading me to scrutinize them for the first time.

From Washington Post

This is the end point we should be scrutinizing with other vaccine candidates.

From Washington Post

That would be the same Congress that’s now planning to hold hearings in both the House and Senate that will scrutinize the actions of Robinhood and other online trading platforms in light of GameStop’s wild stock surge.

From Quartz

The NCAA likes to scrutinize and monitor their chattel in the event that money flows their way from outside jobs.

From The Daily Beast

She lost her actual sight at the moment she was ready to scrutinize herself.

From The Daily Beast

Voters in New Hampshire historically make their decisions late, and intensely scrutinize candidates.

From The Daily Beast

Admissions officials scrutinize kids' behavior during on-campus play groups.

From The Daily Beast

There is little sign that Beijing has the appetite to scrutinize its own policy errors, though some in China have pointed the way.

From The Daily Beast

She sat down, to scrutinize the better this strange intruder.

From Project Gutenberg

They let no statement pass without examination, and they scrutinize facts closely and seek for causes.

From Project Gutenberg

When we know that an estate belongs to us, we are likely to scrutinize every part of it closely.

From Project Gutenberg

Breakfast passed off most charmingly without a word said by any one; and he walked round to the khan to scrutinize some figs.

From Project Gutenberg

To scrutinize all legislative action touching national defense.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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