Scan — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈskan/

Meaning & Definition of Scan

Scan (verb)

  1. to read or mark so as to show metrical structure
  2. to examine by point-by-point observation or checking:
  3. to investigate thoroughly by checking point by point and often repeatedly

Scan (noun)

  1. the act or process of scanning
  2. a radar or television trace
  3. an image formed by scanning something

Scan (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)

    "scanned the manuscript carefully for any overlooked errors"

    similar: audit, check (out), con, examine, inspect, overlook, oversee, review, scrutinize, survey, view, go over
    related: notice, observe, watch, comb, peruse, pore (over), analyze, dissect, parse, delve (into), explore, investigate, plumb, probe, research, study, categorize, classify, pick over, reinspect, rereview, resurvey
    near: skim, glance (at or over), miss

Scan (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Scan

The most common words with a similar meaning to Scan:

audit, check (out), con, examine, inspect, overlook, oversee, review, scrutinize, survey, view, go over, check, checkup, examination, going-over, inspection, look-see, scrutiny

Related Words for Scan

notice, observe, watch, comb, peruse, pore (over), analyze, dissect, parse, delve (into), explore, investigate, plumb, probe, research, study, categorize, classify, pick over, reinspect, rereview, resurvey, analysis, assay, close-up, deconstruction, dissection, exploration, investigation, inquisition

Near Antonyms of Scan

skim, glance (at or over), miss

Word Forms of Scan

Inflections: scanned, scanning

Derived words: scannable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Scan

Middle English scannen, from Late Latin scandere, from Latin, to climb; akin to Middle Irish sceinnid he springs, Sanskrit skandati he leaps

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Scan

Words & Phrases Containing Scan

CAT scan, CT scan, PET scan, side-scan sonar

Frequently Asked Questions about Scan

What does "Scan" mean?

"Scan" means to read or mark so as to show metrical structure. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to read or mark so as to show metrical structure. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Scan"?

Other words for "Scan" include audit, check (out), con, examine, inspect, overlook, oversee and review. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Scan" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Scan"?

There are 59 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Scan". Common alternatives include audit, check (out), con, examine, inspect, overlook, oversee, review, scrutinize and survey.

How do you use "Scan" in a sentence?

Examples of "Scan" in a sentence: "scanned the manuscript carefully for any overlooked errors"; "gave the car a good scan to see if it was worth buying".

Is "Scan" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Scan" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Scan" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Scan" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Scan"?

"Scan" is pronounced /ˈskan/.

What is the origin of the word "Scan"?

"Scan" comes from Middle English scannen, from Late Latin scandere, from Latin, to climb; akin to Middle Irish sceinnid he springs, Sanskrit skandati he leaps. First known use: 14th centuryt.