A close look at the etymology of scrutinize reveals that the word stems from the Latin verb scrutari (meaning "to search" or "to examine"), which in turn probably comes from scruta (meaning "trash," or more specifically "a mixture of worthwhile articles and trash"). In the 15th century, scrutari gave us the noun scrutiny, a word that originally meant "a formal vote" and then "an official examination of votes." Scrutinize retained reference to voting, with the meaning "to examine votes," at least into the 18th century. (But even today in Britain, a scrutineer is a person who counts votes.)
scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.
scrutinized the hospital bill
scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.
scanned the wine list
inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.
inspected my credentials
examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.
examined the specimens
Example Sentences
I closely scrutinized my opponent's every move. Her performance was carefully scrutinized by her employer.
Recent Examples on the WebThe oversight commission announced plans to launch an independent effort to scrutinize the groups earlier this year and has held several days of hearings in which deputies and others have been called to testify. Alene Tchekmedyianstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2022 Passage was delayed Thursday by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who demanded the inclusion of a proposal to have an inspector general scrutinize the new spending.Arkansas Online, 15 May 2022 Ever since commercial business has had access to IT backbone power from mainframe and personal computers (an era that started somewhere between the 1950s and 1960s), companies have been using data to store, backup and scrutinize business operations. Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 Arnaz is aware some critics may scrutinize her efforts. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 24 Aug. 2022 Assembly Vice Chair Chris Constant said leadership is discussing whether the Assembly can hire a third party to help scrutinize any forthcoming executive appointments. Emily Goodykoontz, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Aug. 2022 Only about 500 people actually live in the Everglades, by the way, a number the pythons scrutinize daily. Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2022 Law enforcement might scrutinize data collected from millions of women who use menstrual cycle tracking apps, or those doing internet searches on getting abortions in other states, the vice president said. Will Weissert, ajc, 27 June 2022 Human beings, no matter how proficient or numerous, can never scrutinize the vast landscape of online selling or keep up with the increasingly devious exploitation tactics of savvy criminals. Ariel Katz, Forbes, 25 July 2022 See More