Use scrutiny when attention is close, critical, and detailed rather than casual.
Use scrutiny when attention is close, critical, and detailed rather than casual.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The committee will scrutiny the report. | The committee will scrutinize the report. |
| The data was scrutinyed overnight. | The data was scrutinized overnight. |
| She gave the menu careful scrutiny before ordering coffee. | She gave the menu a quick look before ordering coffee. |
| The machine needs scrutiny every morning. | The machine needs an inspection every morning. |
Use scrutiny for sustained public or media attention that tests conduct, claims, or decisions.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The singer was under scrutiny because everyone loved the song. | The singer was under scrutiny because of the plagiarism claim. |
| The product received scrutiny for its beautiful packaging. | The product received praise for its beautiful packaging. |
| Public scrutiny made the secret plan invisible. | Public scrutiny made the secret plan harder to hide. |
| He enjoyed scrutiny as a relaxing break from fame. | He found scrutiny stressful after the scandal. |
Use scrutiny in official contexts for structured review, and use strict scrutiny for the demanding U.S. constitutional test.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The editor gave the paragraph strict scrutiny for typos. | The editor gave the paragraph close scrutiny for typos. |
| The court applied a loose strict scrutiny test. | The court applied strict scrutiny. |
| The law passed strict scrutiny because it was popular. | The law passed strict scrutiny because it served a compelling interest and was narrowly tailored. |
| Parliamentary scrutiny is always the same as U.S. strict scrutiny. | Parliamentary scrutiny is legislative review, while strict scrutiny is a U.S. constitutional test. |
Use scrutiny for close, critical attention, and choose more routine words such as check, inspection, or review when the examination is ordinary.
Using scrutiny as a verb is incorrect. The verb is scrutinize.
From Latin scrutinium, meaning a search or inquiry, from scrutari, to search thoroughly.
What does scrutiny mean?
Scrutiny means close, careful, and often critical examination.
What does under scrutiny mean?
Under scrutiny means being closely watched, examined, or questioned.
Is scrutiny a verb?
No. Scrutiny is a noun. The verb is scrutinize.
What is public scrutiny?
Public scrutiny is close attention from the public or media, often after a controversy or important decision.
What is strict scrutiny?
Strict scrutiny is a demanding U.S. constitutional test used for some laws affecting fundamental rights or suspect classifications.
What are synonyms for scrutiny?
Synonyms include examination, inspection, analysis, review, audit, and investigation.
What is the opposite of scrutiny?
Opposites include neglect, inattention, disregard, and sometimes privacy.
Where does scrutiny come from?
Scrutiny comes from Latin scrutinium, meaning a search or inquiry.
Is scrutiny always negative?
No. Scrutiny can be neutral or useful, but it often feels critical because it looks for problems.