scan 1 of 2

verb

ˈskan How to pronounce scan (audio)
Definition of scannext
as in to examine
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition) scanned the manuscript carefully for any overlooked errors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scan

2 of 2

noun

as in inspection
a close look at or over someone or something in order to judge condition gave the car a good scan to see if it was worth buying

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scan different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scan are examine, inspect, and scrutinize. While all these words mean "to look at or over," scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

When is it sensible to use examine instead of scan?

The words examine and scan can be used in similar contexts, but examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

When would inspect be a good substitute for scan?

The meanings of inspect and scan largely overlap; however, inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

When could scrutinize be used to replace scan?

In some situations, the words scrutinize and scan are roughly equivalent. However, scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of scan
Verb
Open a cash-back rebate app like Ibotta or Fetch and scan your receipt. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 31 July 2026 Flock’s ALPRs automatically scan every license plate that passes them, while the PTZs record live footage that can be reviewed and analyzed. — T.m. Brown, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Noun
Mertens regularly monitors Tunsil’s electrolytes and checks for nutrient deficiencies through bloodwork and DEXA scans that measure his body mass and bone density. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Aemond’s armor set has 81 different components and took 22 weeks to complete, starting with a 360-degree scan of actor Ewan Mitchell’s body. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan
  1. examine
  2. inspection
  3. review
  4. examination
  5. survey
  6. audit
  7. inspect
  8. scrutiny
Verb
  • Schrell examined whether annual production campaigns would be more effective, but concluded that the approach would not make economic or operational sense because of costs, limited hot-cell capacity and the isotope’s relatively short half-life.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Young Washington stars William Franklyn-Miller as Washington, which examines how a single misstep thrusts the future first president into the middle of a global conflict.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of examine
Noun
  • The New Jersey facility has repeatedly been accused by state and local inspectors of obstructing health and safety inspections and has been the site of ongoing protests and detainee hunger strikes over food quality, overcrowding and medical care.
    — Emma Bussey , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • While vessel inspections are not compulsory, member states can request a secondary inspection of a vessel in line with specified criteria.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of inspection
Verb
  • Social media platforms like Instagram may also have security settings to review devices that have access to your account.
    — Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Governance, risk and compliance functions don't typically review AI agent deployments.
    — Steve Wilson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of review
Noun
  • Becoming a therapist requires years of education, supervised practice, licensing examinations and often substantial student debt.
    — Wayne Lonstein, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Modi late last month posted a selfie video on Instagram and Facebook addressing students over examination paper leaks that stirred nationwide protests.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination
Verb
  • For example, in Argentina’s lithium-rich Jujuy Province, a research exchange between the two countries’ geological agencies grew into an explicit state partnership focused on surveying the province’s salt flats.
    — Natalia Cote-Muñoz, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Nearby, Kristin Renz surveyed the damage to the home of her son and daughter-in-law in northwest Spokane.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of survey
Noun
  • Most of the hundreds of such sites across the state haven’t been looked at despite a state initiative launched in 2007 to check for hazardous materials that may pose health and environmental risks, the audit found.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Phase 3 will include the drafting of the comprehensive plans, a zoning code audit, investment readiness and a final stakeholder and public review and plan adoption.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of audit
Verb
  • Homes can be visually inspected for compliance from the outside, and enclosing the ground level area for living space after the home is constructed and approved for occupancy would draw a reverse work order.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The airport was temporarily closed to remove the aircraft and inspect the runway for damage, officials said.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of inspect
Noun
  • The latest revelations about Welch come as the speaker on Wednesday made the rounds of several media outlets in an effort to shore up support for his leadership amid increasing scrutiny.
    — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The threats came amid rampant speculation and scrutiny of the investigation, deepened in part by uncertainty surrounding Wells' final hours, distrust of law enforcement and the state's long history of racist violence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrutiny

Browse Nearby Words

scamsters
scan
scandal
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Cite this Entry

“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scan. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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