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scan

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noun

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
There, guests spend their days scanning the dizzying cliff sides for puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, and their nights scanning the sky for signs of the aurora. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 15 Apr. 2025 The Israeli soldiers detaining them later questioned the paramedics, asking them for their names, ages and ID card numbers, and appeared to scan their faces with a device Mr. Abed did not recognize, Mr. Abed said. Vivian Yee, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
This image provided by the U.S. National Archives shows a scan of a photo of a Japanese Zero fighter plane hitting the USS Missouri in waters off Okinawa, Japan on April 11, 1945. CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025 The scan shows there is a broken porthole that could account for those reports. ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scan
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
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Both acquisitions were reviewed and cleared by the FTC at the time.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
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
  • Trump did not undergo anesthesia during his examination, according to Leavitt.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That poll surveyed 1,600 people, with a margin of error of 3.4 percent.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Regularly audit and update training materials to keep them fresh and aligned with strategy.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The upside for high earners is clear: Fewer agents means fewer audits and reviews.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
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
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

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Cite this Entry

“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scan. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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