The verb scrutinize means to inspect or study something very carefully and thoroughly, often to find flaws, verify details, or make an informed judgment.
Definition
Scrutinize (verb):
To examine or observe something with great attention to detail.
- “The detective scrutinized the crime scene for hidden clues.”
- “Investors are scrutinizing the company’s financial statements.”
Synonyms
- Inspect
- Examine
- Analyze
- Study
- Probe
- Investigate
Antonyms
- Glance
- Skim
- Overlook
- Ignore
Examples in Sentences
- “Before signing the contract, she scrutinized every clause.”
- “His behavior was scrutinized by the media after the incident.”
- “Scientists continue to scrutinize the data for any anomalies.”
Tone and Use
Scrutinize often carries a serious or critical tone. It’s commonly used in academic, legal, journalistic, or scientific contexts where precision matters.