scrutiny
noun
scru·ti·ny
ˈskrü-tə-nē 
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
1
: a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination
2
: a searching look
3
: close watch : surveillance
Synonyms
Examples of scrutiny in a Sentence
the close scrutiny of data
I'd never faced that kind of scrutiny before.
Because of their past crimes, everything they do now will be subject to scrutiny.
Her opinion is based on a careful scrutiny of the text.
Recent Examples on the Web
For some, that may be a public charter school that receives scrutiny from local or state school boards but is given more flexibility than traditional public K-12 schools.
—
The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
At a rally following US President Donald Trump’s inauguration last Monday, Musk brought his right arm towards his chest and then extended it towards the audience, drawing scrutiny as the gesture bears similarities to the Nazi or Roman salute used by fascist leaders in Germany and Italy.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
Three of President Donald Trump's most controversial Cabinet picks will face the scrutiny of Senate committees this week -- Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kash Patel.
—Emily Chang, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2025
Responding to such complaints, the federal government has begun to put poultry companies under new scrutiny.
—Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for scrutiny 
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The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
At a rally following US President Donald Trump’s inauguration last Monday, Musk brought his right arm towards his chest and then extended it towards the audience, drawing scrutiny as the gesture bears similarities to the Nazi or Roman salute used by fascist leaders in Germany and Italy.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
Three of President Donald Trump's most controversial Cabinet picks will face the scrutiny of Senate committees this week -- Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kash Patel.
—Emily Chang, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2025
Responding to such complaints, the federal government has begun to put poultry companies under new scrutiny.
—Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for scrutiny
Dictionary Entries Near scrutiny
Cite this Entry
“Scrutiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrutiny. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scrutiny
noun
scru·ti·ny
ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē
ˈskrüt-nē
plural scrutinies
: a close inspection : examination
Legal Definition
scrutiny
noun
scru·ti·ny
ˈskrüt-ᵊn-ē
plural scrutinies
: searching study or inquiry
specifically
: judicial investigation of the constitutionality of a statutory classification of persons under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution see also intermediate sense 2, strict scrutiny compare rational basis test
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