Synonyms for

Scan

Verb / skæn / Another word for scan — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To examine something closely or quickly.

Synonyms & similar words

rundown catscan glanceover skim read rake examine check inspect browse skim survey scrutinize peruse search explore investigate read probe view

Synonyms by register

Formal

examine inspect scrutinize survey

Informal

check out look over glance at eyeball

Literary

peruse pore over survey

Antonyms

ignore overlook miss disregard neglect skim

Common collocations

  • scan the horizon
  • scan the document
  • scan the code
  • scan the results
  • scan the area
  • scan the market
  • scan the patient

Word family

noun scan
verb scan

Usage note

While 'scan' can mean to look over something quickly, it also implies a more thorough examination, especially in technical contexts like medical imaging or data analysis. Be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. I will scan this document to find the information I need.
  2. The cashier will scan your groceries at the checkout.
  3. I need to scan the room before I can find my lost toy.
  4. He will scan his notes before the exam.
  5. She will scan the menu to see what is for dinner.

Quotes

  • "The future is always changing and hard to predict. But there is one thing I can say with certainty: we will always need to scan and digitize books." - Brewster Kahle
  • "I try to scan the news headlines for anything positive, because happiness can be so fleeting." - Jill Scott
  • "In our increasingly digital world, it's important to be able to scan documents and photos and make them available electronically." - Ginny Brown-Waite

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