EXAMINE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'examine' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of examine are inspect , scan , and scrutinize . While all these words mean "to look at or over," examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing. // examined the specimens

Q: When would 'inspect' be a good substitute for 'examine'?

The words inspect and examine can be used in similar contexts, but inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects. // inspected my credentials

Q: In what contexts can 'scan' take the place of 'examine'?

The meanings of scan and examine largely overlap; however, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation. // scanned the wine list

Q: When is 'scrutinize' a more appropriate choice than 'examine'?

Although the words scrutinize and examine have much in common, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail. // scrutinized the hospital bill

examine

verb

ig-ˈza-mən

Definition of examine next

as in to interrogate

to put a series of questions to the defense attorney was eager to examine her star witness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to inspect

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) the customer painstakingly examined the antique piece of furniture from top to bottom before purchasing it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to explore

to search through or into a groundbreaking study that examined the causes of juvenile delinquency

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word examine different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of examine are inspect, scan, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When would inspect be a good substitute for examine?

The words inspect and examine can be used in similar contexts, but inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

In what contexts can scan take the place of examine?

The meanings of scan and examine largely overlap; however, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When is scrutinize a more appropriate choice than examine?

Although the words scrutinize and examine have much in common, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of examine Congress is set to order the Air Force to examine whether a pilot program allowing beards could be established. —

Marni Rose McFall, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 The work thoughtfully examines how America’s founding continues to shape modern identities and landscapes. —

Donny Bajohr, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024 Rather than examining the differences between the Catholics and the Protestants, Leigh centers the story on the overarching similarities in their lives. —

Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024 Stan’s Globe nominations this morning came for Briarcliff’s The Apprentice, which examines Trump’s rise in the 1970s and 1980s New York real estate scene, as well as A24’s A Different Man. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for examine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for examine

Verb

Two individuals accused of serving Payne drugs will be interrogated on Dec. 17 at 10 and 11 a.m., respectively.

Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024
An apparent fan of food writer Michael Pollan, Mangione shared content that interrogated the consumption of alcohol, psychedelic drugs and even coffee.

Tom Winter, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024