examination

noun

ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce examination (audio)
Synonyms of examination
1
: the act or process of examining : the state of being examined
2
: an exercise designed to examine progress or test qualification or knowledge
3
: a formal interrogation
examinational
ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce examination (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of examination

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Examples of examination in a Sentence

On closer examination, the painting appears to be a fake. The victim's clothes were sent to the lab for examination. The police made a rigorous examination of the evidence at the crime scene. The court ordered that the defendant undergo a psychiatric examination. I have to study for the history examination. procedures that are not allowed during examination of witnesses
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shavers has spent years warning about button pushing, where an examiner runs the tool, accepts the output and calls it an examination. — Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 District leaders say that no recommendations have been made at this time and that the examination of the schools in the six clusters will continue until October. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 The demands of protesters in Jharkhand include an overhaul of the state’s examination system, cancellation of some tests and an investigation by the federal police. — Reuters, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026 After reviewing extensive mental health examinations of Lavie by defense experts, Judge Diego H. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for examination

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of examination was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing examination

Rhymes for examination

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Browse Nearby Words

examinant
examination
examinational
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Cite this Entry

“Examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/examination. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

examination

noun
ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce examination (audio)
1
: the act or process of examining : the state of being examined
2
: a test to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge

Medical Definition

examination

noun
ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce examination (audio)
: the act or process of inspecting or testing for evidence of disease or abnormality see physical examination

Legal Definition

examination

noun
ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion
: the act or process of examining
especially : a formal questioning especially in a court proceeding see also cross-examination, direct examination, recross-examination, redirect examination compare affidavit, deposition

More from Merriam-Webster on examination

Nglish: Translation of examination for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about examination

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