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
Discovery Mode has drawn scrutiny from artists, organizers, and lawmakers, which highlights another reason the company may ultimately prefer the details of its ghost-artist program to remain obscure.
—
Liz Pelly, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
The tragedy, coupled with scrutiny over safety protocols, added to Boeing's challenges in 2024, which included prior incidents, production delays and financial losses.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Gilbert police still face scrutiny over teen attacks: Inaction from the Gilbert Police Department over teen violence, including the death of Preston Lord, beatings of other teens, and a barn set on fire, prompted scrutiny of the department and town leadership.
—The Arizona Republic, 31 Dec. 2024
Kerwin’s bill comes as PFAS are under increasing scrutiny nationwide.
—Alejandra Martinez, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scrutiny 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Liz Pelly, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
The tragedy, coupled with scrutiny over safety protocols, added to Boeing's challenges in 2024, which included prior incidents, production delays and financial losses.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Gilbert police still face scrutiny over teen attacks: Inaction from the Gilbert Police Department over teen violence, including the death of Preston Lord, beatings of other teens, and a barn set on fire, prompted scrutiny of the department and town leadership.
—The Arizona Republic, 31 Dec. 2024
Kerwin’s bill comes as PFAS are under increasing scrutiny nationwide.
—Alejandra Martinez, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Dec. 2024
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 18 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share