scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrü-tə-nē 

ˈskrüt-nē

plural scrutinies

1

: a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination

2

: a searching look

3

: close watch : surveillance

Synonyms

• audit
• check
• checkup
• examination
• going-over
• inspection
• look-see
• review
• scan
• survey
• view

Examples of scrutiny in a Sentence

the close scrutiny of data

I'd never faced that kind of scrutiny before.

Because of their past crimes, everything they do now will be subject to scrutiny.

Her opinion is based on a careful scrutiny of the text.

Recent Examples on the Web

Succeeding in tennis can be as much about handling the scrutiny of being an individual star as landing first serves. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

The Lamborghini Miura, with its limited production run and historical significance, naturally became the subject of scrutiny from purists concerned about maintaining its legacy. —David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024

South Africa is likely to be under intense scrutiny from the incoming administration. —Paul Tilsley, Fox News, 26 Dec. 2024

That puts the Southeast Asian country at risk of scrutiny from a Trump administration obsessed with bilateral trade flows. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Asia, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin scrutinium, from scrutari to search, examine, probably from scruta trash

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scrutiny

• self-scrutiny
• under scrutiny

Kids Definition

scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē 

ˈskrüt-nē

plural scrutinies

: a close inspection : examination

Legal Definition

scrutiny

noun

scru·​ti·​ny ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē 

plural scrutinies

: searching study or inquiry

specifically : judicial investigation of the constitutionality of a statutory classification of persons under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution see also intermediate sense 2, strict scrutiny compare rational basis test