scrutiny

[skroot-n-ee]

noun

plural

scrutinies 

1. a searching examination or investigation; minute inquiry.

2. surveillance; close and continuous watching or guarding.

3. a close and searching look.

scrutiny

/ ˈskruːtɪnɪ /

noun

1. close or minute examination

2. a searching look

3. 1. (in the early Christian Church) a formal testing that catechumens had to undergo before being baptized

   2. a similar examination of candidates for holy orders

Other Word Forms

• nonscrutiny noun
• rescrutiny noun
• self-scrutiny noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrutiny¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin scrūtinium “a search, inquiry, investigation,” derivative of scrūtārī “to search thoroughly”

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrutiny¹

C15: from Late Latin scrūtinium an investigation, from scrūtārī to search (originally referring to rag-and-bone men), from scrūta rubbish

Synonym Study

See examination.

Example Sentences

Kushner began building the investment firm Affinity Partners, whose substantial financial ties to Middle East governments have drawn scrutiny given his focus there in the first administration.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

China said it would give particular scrutiny to export of the restricted items if they are intended to help build advanced chips or support artificial-intelligence research.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As Taylor Swift’s latest record brings scrutiny to the construction and thematics of pop music and its presentation, Wolf Alice’s seductive sway and wistful grit feels comparatively effortless, even if it’s just as accessible.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As a result, projects, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, are under much greater scrutiny.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

American chip companies have come under particular scrutiny in Beijing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• analysis 
• audit 
• inquiry 
• inspection 
• investigation 
• review 
• search 
• surveillance