examine

verb

ex·​am·​ine ig-ˈza-mən How to pronounce examine (audio)
examined; examining ig-ˈza-mə-niŋ How to pronounce examine (audio)
-ˈzam-niŋ

transitive verb

1
a
: to inspect closely
b
: to test the condition of
c
: to inquire into carefully : investigate
2
a
: to interrogate closely
examine a prisoner
b
: to test by questioning in order to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge

intransitive verb

: to make or give an examination
examinable adjective
examiner
ig-ˈza-mə-nər How to pronounce examine (audio)
-ˈzam-nər
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for examine

scrutinize, scan, inspect, examine mean to look at or over.

scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

Examples of examine in a Sentence

An accountant has been hired to examine the company's books. The police examined the evidence carefully. You should have your eyes examined. He was examined by several doctors, who found nothing wrong with him.
Recent Examples on the Web This is the web version of The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter examining what leaders need to succeed. Nick Rockel, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2024 By examining archaeological and historical evidence alongside findings from non-human animals and extinct hominids, the presentation reveals that humans have practiced PBM for at least 15,000 years, with some evidence suggesting a tradition up to 80,000 years old. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2024 The team found that males did not weigh more than females for most of the species examined, and that differences in mass between males and females were not extreme for most species. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024 The Washington Post examined text messages, photos and videos to create a video timeline of what happened on Jan. 6. Tom Jackman, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 Tax relief companies, also referred to as tax resolution firms, leverage their expertise in federal and state regulations to thoroughly examine your paperwork and financial circumstances in order to determine the most suitable solution. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 People can take steps to deal with the creeping effects of photo manipulation, said Hany Farid, a professor at UC Berkeley whose research examines digital forensics and image analysis. Deepti Hajela, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024 Now, Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling is examining the inter-local agreement between the city and county sheriff’s office. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2024 Through a series of hilarious and often ridiculous events, the film examines themes of family, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. Travis Bean, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'examine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French examiner, from Latin examinare, from examen

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of examine was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near examine

Cite this Entry

“Examine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/examine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

examine

verb
ex·​am·​ine ig-ˈzam-ən How to pronounce examine (audio)
examined; examining
1
: to look at or check carefully
examine a company's books
have your eyes examined
2
: to question closely
examine a witness
examiner noun

Medical Definition

examine

verb
ex·​am·​ine ig-ˈzam-ən How to pronounce examine (audio)
examined; examining -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce examine (audio)

transitive verb

: to inspect or test for evidence of disease or abnormality
the doctor examined the young men and found them in perfect health

intransitive verb

: to make or give an examination
the doctor will examine at the infirmary

Legal Definition

examine

transitive verb
ex·​am·​ine
examined; examining
1
: to investigate or inspect closely
examine the title
compare audit
2
: to question closely especially in a court proceeding compare depose

More from Merriam-Webster on examine

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