scrutinize

verb

scru·​ti·​nize ˈskrü-tə-ˌnīz 

scrutinized; scrutinizing

transitive verb

: to examine closely and minutely

intransitive verb

: to make a scrutiny

scrutinizer noun

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Scrutinize This Word's Etymology

Scrutinize the history of scrutinize far back enough and you wind up sifting through trash: the word comes from Latin scrutari, which means "to search, to examine," and scrutari likely comes from scruta, meaning "trash," the etymology evoking one who searches through trash for anything of value. The noun scrutiny preceded scrutinize in English, and in its earliest 15th century use referred to a formal vote, and later to an official examination of votes. Scrutinize was established in the 17th century with its familiar "to examine closely" meaning, but retained reference to voting with the meaning "to examine votes" at least into the 18th century. And while the term scrutineer can be a general term referring to someone who examines something, it is also sometimes used specifically as a term for an election poll watcher.

Synonyms

• audit
• check (out)
• con
• examine
• inspect
• overlook
• oversee
• review
• scan
• survey
• view

Choose the Right Synonym for scrutinize

scrutinize, scan, inspect, examine mean to look at or over.

scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

Examples of scrutinize in a Sentence

I closely scrutinized my opponent's every move.

Her performance was carefully scrutinized by her employer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Are there risks from fluoride? Despite decades of study and real-world evidence of its benefits, fluoride continues to be scrutinized. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

Be Skeptical of App Requests: Always scrutinize requests for extensive permissions. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

A number of people who have raised questions about Sheehy's gunshot wound have been scrutinized for criticizing Republicans in the past. —Stephen Neukam, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

Its revenue also topped forecasts, but its stock nevertheless sank 6% as investors and analysts scrutinized for possible disappointments. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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Kids Definition

scrutinize

verb

scru·​ti·​nize ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ˌīz 

scrutinized; scrutinizing

: to examine very closely : inspect