scrutinize

American  

[skroot-n-ahyz] / ˈskrut nˌaɪz /

especially British, scrutinise

verb (used with object)

scrutinized, scrutinizing

1. to examine in detail with careful or critical attention.

   Synonyms:

   search, study, investigate

---

verb (used without object)

scrutinized, scrutinizing

1. to conduct a scrutiny.

   Synonyms:

   search, study, investigate

scrutinize British  

/ ˈskruːtɪˌnaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to examine carefully or in minute detail

---

Other Word Forms

• rescrutinize verb (used with object)
• scrutinization noun
• scrutinizer noun
• scrutinizingly adverb
• self-scrutinized adjective
• self-scrutinizing adjective
• unscrutinized adjective
• unscrutinizing adjective
• unscrutinizingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of scrutinize

First recorded in 1665–75; scrutin(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

As the start of their earnings season approaches, investors are scrutinizing banks for their exposure to nonbank financial firms, and in particular the private funds that have seen a surge of redemptions.

From The Wall Street Journal

The talks began after a 2025 executive order called on federal agencies to scrutinize all contracts, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal

But investors have also come to scrutinize the companies that are pouring so much money into AI hardware.

From MarketWatch

The backdrop to this dispute is a league where every single play is more closely scrutinized than ever.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors are now scrutinizing the strength of a U.S. economy that has proved resilient despite a sluggish job market.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• analyze
• check
• check out
• comb
• consider
• dissect
• explore
• inspect
• investigate
• look over
• peruse
• pore over
• probe
• scan
• sift
• watch
• weigh