Examine Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms, and Examples

Examine is a transitive verb that you can use to describe someone who investigates the state of something. But what other words can you utilize in its place? The answer to that question is easy: examine synonyms.

This article will guide you through everything about the term examine. Not only that, but it will introduce you to related terms along with some sample sentences. You won’t need a thesaurus to look up examine again.

The Meaning of Examine

According to the dictionary, examine relates to taking a close and detailed look at something or someone. It can also connect to meticulously studying or reviewing a situation while considering all the details or ramifications.

This word originates from the Old French term examiner, translating to “weigh or test.” You can utilize this verb in many ways. Check out these examples to learn how to use them in sentences.

• They examined the rubble to ensure no one was trapped and left behind.
• She examined all the pages of the quiz before answering.
• Examining visitors is a standard protocol before entering the premises
• My dad had to examine my car’s engine to search for the problem. 
• The professor examined her paper for plagiarism.

Examine Synonyms — Exploring Similar Words

Some similar terms for examine are scan, investigate, probe, audit, inspect, survey, look into, and sift. Other similar meanings are dig into, explore, check out, scrutinize, and inquire into.

Scan

To scan is to look at all the parts of something carefully. Scanning detects any danger or defect. You can scan your surrounding just by your sense of sight. But you can employ devices like binoculars or cameras too.

• They had to scan the area twice to be sure everything was safe.

Investigate

Investigating is probing a person, group, or place to obtain information about them. It is inspecting suspected material for signs of fraud, leaks, or general wrongdoing.

• She was assigned to investigate the results of the survey.

Probe

Probe comes from the Latin term “proba,” translating to proof. It is a word that means seeking evidence. So, as you might guess, it is often utilized to signify getting to the bottom of something. 

• Police were probing her about the accident yesterday.

Audit

Audit refers to scrutinizing records of various types. It describes the sense of seeking fraud until nothing is left.

• They audit our company books every year to ensure accuracy.

Examine Antonyms — Exploring Contrasting Words

Some examine antonyms are neglect, miss, manhandle, refrain, suppress, overlook, and devour.

Ignore

Ignore relates to not looking at something or not giving it your attention. It can also be not taking what you have learned into account.

• Everybody ignored the examination instructions and got low scores.

Neglect

Neglect is essentially not caring about or not giving enough attention to a certain task or activity. This action is, more often than not, done intentionally.

• The sheriff’s office neglected all the facts regarding the case.

Overlook

When you overlook something, you fail to check or notice it. You can utilize this term to describe a person paying minimal attention to something that might be significant.

• The police overlooked some crucial clues in the investigation.

To wrap up

In summary, examine relates to checking, testing, or inspecting something. Try to utilize similar words instead of examine so you don’t sound redundant. Apply the terms you’ve just learned to your advantage and try to include them in your articles.