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scrutinize

3 antonyms and opposites of scrutinize, grouped by meaning.

Verb — To examine something closely and critically, looking for detail, error or hidden meaning.

Antonyms

skim glance at overlook

How to use scrutinize

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

closely scrutinise scrutinise the evidence come under scrutiny

Neutral to formal; common in journalism, law, accounting and academic writing.

Etymology

From Latin scrutari, meaning to search or examine, itself from scruta, meaning rubbish or old rags, from the idea of rummaging through them.

Full origin of scrutinize →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between scrutinize and examine?

Examine is neutral and simply means to look at something carefully. Scrutinize adds intensity and suspicion: you scrutinize something because you expect to find a flaw, a mistake or something being concealed.

Is it scrutinize or scrutinise?

Both are correct. Scrutinize is standard in the United States and also accepted in Britain, while scrutinise is the usual British and Australian spelling.

What is the noun form of scrutinize?

Scrutiny, as in the contract came under scrutiny. Scrutinization exists but sounds clumsy and is rarely used.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.