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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example 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 The area was opened Jan. 16, and has since been inspected by officials with Southern California Edison, and investigators hired by law firms that have filed suit against the utility company. —

Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 Regularly inspect the footmuff for damage, such as loose panels, fastenings, or tears, especially after washing. —

Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025 Align Expectations Skip-level meetings boost engagement by ensuring leadership inspects what’s expected from middle managers. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Northwest Naturals was last inspected in March, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and had no violations. —

Brenda Goodman, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inspect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspect

Verb

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
According to Scheer, the league will examine more than 20 proposals from interested parties.

— Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025