INSPECT Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of inspect are examine , scan , and scrutinize . While all these words mean "to look at or over," inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects. // inspected my credentials

Q: When can 'examine' be used instead of 'inspect'?

The words examine and inspect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing. // examined the specimens

Q: When might 'scan' be a better fit than 'inspect'?

In some situations, the words scan and inspect are roughly equivalent. However, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation. // scanned the wine list

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

The synonyms scrutinize and inspect are sometimes interchangeable, but scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail. // scrutinized the hospital bill

inspect

verb

in-ˈspekt

Definition of inspect next

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) inspected the collie before the dog show

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inspect are examine, scan, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When can examine be used instead of inspect?

The words examine and inspect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When might scan be a better fit than inspect?

In some situations, the words scan and inspect are roughly equivalent. However, scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When would scrutinize be a good substitute for inspect?

The synonyms scrutinize and inspect are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 inspect While Poel was inspecting the house, investigators talked with the Lamesch family. —

Nikki Battiste, CBS News, 30 Nov. 2024 Hyundai dealers will make service repairs for free, including inspecting and replacing the ICCU and its fuse, if necessary, and updating the ICCU software, the recall report said. —

Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 27 Nov. 2024 Keep up with regular snow blower maintenance, including checking the air pressure of the tires, replacing the oil and fuel as necessary, and inspecting the belts, shear pins, skids shoes, and the scraper blade. —

Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024 Advertisement On Saturday, Acevedo, a spry and agile senior, moved quickly to inspect the orchard. —

Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inspect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect

Verb

Cramer examined why each stock saw gains, attributing some of their recent successes to the assumption that President-elect Donald Trump’s new regulators will largely abandon efforts to curb big business’ power.

Julie Coleman, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Set during 18 pivotal months in the early 1970s, the film examines the couple’s time living in Greenwich Village, New York City, when their personal and creative worlds collided.

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024