scrutiny
17 synonyms and 0 antonyms for scrutiny, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Close, careful examination or observation.
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.
How to use scrutiny
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin scrūtinium ("a search, inquiry"), from scrūtārī ("to search thoroughly"), ultimately connected to a word for sifting through rubbish — literally, digging through the trash for answers.
Full origin of scrutiny →Frequently asked questions
What does “scrutiny” mean?
The word “scrutiny” means close, careful examination or observation. In plain terms, careful, close examination, often implying suspicion or high standards.
How do you pronounce “scrutiny”?
“Scrutiny” is pronounced SKROO-tih-nee (/ˈskɹu.tɪ.ni/ in IPA).
How do you use “scrutiny” in a sentence?
Here is “scrutiny” used in a sentence: “The company's finances came under intense scrutiny.”
What is another word for “scrutiny”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scrutiny” include examination, exploration, inquiry, going-over, inspection and investigation.
What part of speech is “scrutiny”?
“Scrutiny” is a noun.
Where does the word “scrutiny” come from?
The word “scrutiny” comes from Latin. From Latin scrūtinium ("a search, inquiry"), from scrūtārī ("to search thoroughly"), ultimately connected to a word for sifting through rubbish — literally, digging through the trash for answers.
Is “scrutiny” a common word?
“Scrutiny” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between scrutiny and inspection?
Scrutiny implies especially close and careful examination, often continuous or critical in nature, while inspection can refer to a more routine or one-time check. Something "under scrutiny" suggests sustained attention, whereas an inspection may be a single formal review.
What does it mean to be "under scrutiny"?
To be "under scrutiny" means to be the subject of close, careful examination or observation, often because concerns have been raised. It is commonly used when a person, decision, or organization is being closely watched or questioned.
Is scrutiny always negative?
Scrutiny is not inherently negative; it simply means close, careful examination. It often carries a slightly critical or skeptical connotation, however, since people or actions are typically scrutinized when something needs to be verified or questioned.