Synonyms of scan

scan 1 of 2

verb

ˈskan 

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

• examine
• review
• survey
• inspect
• view
• analyze
• watch
• scrutinize
• check (out)
• audit
• oversee
• go over
• study
• explore
• investigate
• con
• notice
• dissect
• peruse
• overlook
• probe
• observe
• research
• comb
• parse
• classify
• categorize
• pore (over)
• delve (into)
• plumb
• reinspect
• pick over
• resurvey
• rereview

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skim
• miss
• glance (at or over)

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

• inspection
• examination
• audit
• survey
• scrutiny
• review
• check
• view
• checkup
• analysis
• study
• investigation
• look-see
• research
• probe
• going-over
• dissection
• exploration
• assay
• recheck
• deconstruction
• interrogation
• perusal
• inquisition
• observation
• close-up
• watch
• surveillance
• reinspection
• resurvey
• checkout
• once-over
• trial run
• test-drive

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

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

Recent Examples of scan

Verb

Each was scanned into a database by leg band, driven 300 miles from the loft and released. —Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026

From the vantage point of L2, the X-ray spacecraft was able to gather the data that informed this soft X-ray map by scanning the sky four times between 2019 and 2021. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Noun

The scans show networks of roads connecting clusters of settlements across the forest, most clearly in southern Amazonas state and Acre. —ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

Participants underwent blood tests for pTau217, as well as PET scans and cognitive testing. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026