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
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
If there are legitimate concerns about such access uncovering American spies abroad, the Trump administration will come under stronger pressure to place tighter limits on DOGE, though the department's supporters will likely see this as an attempt by the deep state to shutdown scrutiny.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Based on the level of scrutiny that fans have, the reality is that there is not necessarily a clue in every single thing that people are looking for a clue in.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025
The killer himself started with the mask, which Ruben knew would be the greatest subject of scrutiny in the film.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 7 Feb. 2025
Mulino’s decision not to stay involved in the Belt and Road initiative may signal a new stage of scrutiny on China’s presence in the country.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for scrutiny 
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Based on the level of scrutiny that fans have, the reality is that there is not necessarily a clue in every single thing that people are looking for a clue in.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025
The killer himself started with the mask, which Ruben knew would be the greatest subject of scrutiny in the film.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 7 Feb. 2025
Mulino’s decision not to stay involved in the Belt and Road initiative may signal a new stage of scrutiny on China’s presence in the country.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for scrutiny
Dictionary Entries Near scrutiny
Cite this Entry
“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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