SCAN Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of scan are examine , inspect , and scrutinize . While all these words mean "to look at or over," scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation. // scanned the wine list

Q: When is it sensible to use 'examine' instead of 'scan'?

The words examine and scan can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'scan'?

The meanings of inspect and scan largely overlap; however, inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects. // inspected my credentials

Q: When could 'scrutinize' be used to replace 'scan'?

In some situations, the words scrutinize and scan are roughly equivalent. However, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail. // scrutinized the hospital bill

scan 1 of 2

verb

ˈskan

Definition of scan next

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) scanned the manuscript carefully for any overlooked errors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scan

2 of 2

noun

as in inspection

a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition gave the car a good scan to see if it was worth buying

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of scan are examine, inspect, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When is it sensible to use examine instead of scan?

The words examine and scan can be used in similar contexts, but 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 scan?

The meanings of inspect and scan largely overlap; however, inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When could scrutinize be used to replace scan?

In some situations, the words scrutinize and scan are roughly equivalent. However, 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 scan

Verb

The effects can be more than short-lived: When stress levels decrease, less energy is spent scanning for potential dangers . . . —

Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 20 Jan. 2025 Meta declined to participate in follow-up interviews for this story, but Niantic’s McClendon cautioned not to underestimate the complexity of building a scanning tool like Hyperscape. —

Janko Roettgers, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2025

Noun

In mouse experiments, that meant immobilizing their heads so the research team could get clear scans. —

Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025 My next step was to get a thermography scan, which uses a heat-sensing camera to find hot spots in the body. —

Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan

Verb

Another review of research studies published in 2022 examined the effects of cold water immersion on humans.

— Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
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