scrutinize
6 synonyms and 3 antonyms for scrutinize, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To examine something closely and critically, looking for detail, error or hidden meaning.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use scrutinize
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
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.