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
Because these events are unpredictable, the rover frequently scans the horizon in all directions. — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 While waiting for President Sarkozy to start the proceedings, Reinaldo scanned the vast room, which displayed in its décor both the fleur-de-lis and the French Republic’s monogram. — Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
Insurance does not typically cover whole-body scans. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Researchers collected brain scans, blood samples and hunger ratings before and several times after each drink. — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 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
  • Investigators also examined two exemplar helicopters, according to the statement.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Forensic investigators will examine the findings for signs of trauma, injury and a cause of death.
    — Dawn Klavon, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of examine
Noun
  • Boar’s Head closed that facility in September after inspection reports revealed numerous problems, including model, insects, dripping water and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment dating back at least two years, the Associated Press reported.
    — Addy Bink, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Folsom and Clementine program mirrors restrictions adopted across Northern California with boaters wishing to launch having a red quarantine seal for at least 30 days after a mandatory inspection.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of inspection
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Satellite images reviewed by ABC News show the north of the same village being cleared by the IDF in October 2024, where crops and buildings are seen destroyed.
    — Kerem Inal, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of review
Noun
  • Each of those studies was itself a meta-analysis, based on an examination of data from a number of other prior independent studies.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Anyone who doesn’t fulfill those traits won’t qualify for further examination.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of examination
Verb
  • Perhaps that is why 45% of experts surveyed think this kind of AI co-evolution will have a more negative than positive effect on mental well-being by 2035.
    — Tracey Follows, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • That poll surveyed 1,600 people, with a margin of error of 3.4 percent.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of survey
Noun
  • The Foundation also hasn’t submitted an annual audit that was due March 31.
    — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The company’s investigators performed an audit and discovered millions of dollars in unreported payroll, prosecutors said.
    — Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of audit
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • For Temu, Eurofins Assurance will inspect merchandise including apparel, textiles and jewelry and outdoor furniture, among other categories.
    — Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of inspect
Noun
  • The Fort Worth Independent School District’s new executive director of transportation presented his plans to turn around a department clouded by a poor reputation and recent scrutiny by its workers.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Now, Hochul is forcing a ban through the budget, bypassing public scrutiny and accountability.
    — N. Goldberg, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025
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 21 Apr. 2025.

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