1 scrutinize | Definition of scrutinize
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scrutinize

verb
scru·​ti·​nize | \ ˈskrü-tÉ™-ËŒnÄ«z How to pronounce scrutinize (audio) \
scrutinized; scrutinizing

Definition of scrutinize

transitive verb

: to examine closely and minutely

intransitive verb

: to make a scrutiny
Other Words from scrutinize Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Scrutinize This Word's Etymology Example Sentences Learn More about scrutinize

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Other Words from scrutinize

scrutinizer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for scrutinize

scrutinize, scan, inspect, examine mean to look at or over. 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

Scrutinize This Word's Etymology

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-and even today in Britain a scrutineer is a person who counts votes.

Examples of scrutinize in a Sentence

I closely scrutinized my opponent's every move. Her performance was carefully scrutinized by her employer.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Cathay staff have sincebeen warned that their social media accounts will be scrutinized and couldbe punished for posts that show support for the protests. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, "China Hits Back After Twitter and Facebook Block Pro-Beijing Content," 22 Aug. 2019 With our once-unthreatened understanding of selfhood, family, and civic purpose now being scrutinized under the microscope of the mob, our culture is in a moment of ecdysis. — Kayla Bartsch, National Review, "Marianne Williamson Offers Priestly Wisdom for a Nation Adrift — Seriously," 12 Aug. 2019 Last month, some publications reported that the DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission had divided up the work of scrutinizing the companies, with the FTC supposedly handling Facebook and Amazon, and the DOJ getting Google and Apple. — Levi Sumagaysay, The Mercury News, "Tech giants targeted by Justice Department antitrust review," 23 July 2019 Investigators homed in on Metaxas after scrutinizing the online communications of both women. — Washington Post, "Cyprus court sentences serial killer to 7 life terms," 24 June 2019 Nazaryan counts the Washington Post, the New York Times and Politico as news organizations that are doing a good job at scrutinizing government agencies. — Laney Pope, CNN, "How Trump's cabinet is tricking the media," 21 June 2019 Although the program has been largely free of irregularities, the DC Solar tale stands as a warning sign of how investors, perhaps too hungry for the credits, may be lax in scrutinizing the health of the underlying business. — latimes.com, "This California couple scammed Berkshire Hathaway out of millions, feds say," 4 June 2019 Harry Markopolos, a financial analyst and corporate fraud expert who was the first person to expose the Ponzi scheme of investment manager Bernie Madoff, released a 175-page report on Thursday morning scrutinizing General Electric's finances. — Sergio Chapa, Houston Chronicle, "Fraud Expert: GE used Baker Hughes as a vehicle to hide multi-billion dollar losses," 15 Aug. 2019 The grand jury report, which examined six of the eight dioceses in the state, wasn’t the first time that Pennsylvania scrutinized the Catholic Church. — Julie Zauzmer, BostonGlobe.com, "Pa. report on sex abuse shook nation, Vatican, but changed nothing in the state," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scrutinize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of scrutinize

1671, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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More Definitions for scrutinize

scrutinize

verb
How to pronounce scrutinize (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of scrutinize

: to examine (something) carefully especially in a critical way

See the full definition for scrutinize in the English Language Learners Dictionary

scrutinize

verb
scru·​ti·​nize | \ ˈskrü-tÉ™-ËŒnÄ«z How to pronounce scrutinize (audio) \
scrutinized; scrutinizing

Kids Definition of scrutinize

: to examine very closely … I stood still and scrutinized the place where I'd seen movement.— Avi, Crispin

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More from Merriam-Webster on scrutinize

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with scrutinize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scrutinize

Spanish Central: Translation of scrutinize

Nglish: Translation of scrutinize for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of scrutinize for Arabic Speakers

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