Definitions

scan

[skan] / skæn /

VERB

look over, scrutinize lightly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

browse check examine flash flip through leaf through look through scour search skim thumb through

STRONG

consider contemplate inquire investigate look overlook regard riff riffle rumble study survey sweep

WEAK

dip into give the once-over glance at glance over have a look-see look up and down run over run through size up take a gander take stock of

Antonyms

STRONG

discard disregard forget ignore look away neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A biopsy revealed cancer, and then after a MRI scan she was told she had stage four metastatic breast cancer.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

The hidden prompts could instruct the app to scan a company’s internal systems for sensitive files and transmit them to the attacker’s server.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Polls show that over 1 million job seekers used AI in 2025 to scan their resumes for keywords, or even to write their resumes or cover letters.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Trump later said he regretted publicly disclosing a previous CT scan because it fueled additional speculation about his health.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

Briefly, I scan the room; Miss Genovese is nowhere to be seen.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing scan

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 4

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The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!