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 Created by the Anne Frank House and presented in partnership with the Center for Jewish History, the entire installation aims to examine Anne Frank’s life — and death — with a scope not often found in other treatments of this chapter in history. —

Laurel Graeber, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 Essential Reads Key business and economic news with implications this week and beyond: NJ governor asks Trump to examine Manhattan congestion pricing New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Monday asked President Trump to examine congestion pricing in Manhattan. —

Aris Folley, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 On my own block, a massive limb of a carob tree broke off and I was given the opportunity to examine it up close. —

Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Jan. 2025 Kinesiologists like to examine the human body as a kinetic chain. —

Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for examine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for examine

Verb

The results interrogate pearl-clutching assumptions of private and public realms, embracing voyeurism and exhibitionism as underlying tensions.

— Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 15 Jan. 2025
This was indeed a lucky break; even the most up-to-date C.S.I. units can’t interrogate people who’ve been dead 200 years.

— Liesl Schillinger, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025