examination

noun

ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce examination (audio)
Synonyms of examination
1
: the act or process of examining : the state of being examined
2
: an exercise designed to examine progress or test qualification or knowledge
3
: a formal interrogation
examinational
ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce examination (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of examination

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Examples of examination in a Sentence

On closer examination, the painting appears to be a fake. The victim's clothes were sent to the lab for examination. The police made a rigorous examination of the evidence at the crime scene. The court ordered that the defendant undergo a psychiatric examination. I have to study for the history examination. procedures that are not allowed during examination of witnesses
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Portman actually released no statement, and many critics noted that Cusk’s novel is more of an intentionally disorienting examination of the artifices of self and celebrity than a tell-all roman à clef. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 The company said an initial batch of irradiated samples was discharged in May 2026, with post-irradiation examination expected to begin later this year. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 Most important was a recording of West’s 1993 examination of Haley. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026 The Costume Institute first announced the retrospective in July, describing it as an examination of Galliano’s career spanning more than four decades. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for examination

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing examination

Rhymes for examination

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Browse Nearby Words

examinant
examination
examinational
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Cite this Entry

“Examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/examination. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

examination

noun
ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce examination (audio)
1
: the act or process of examining : the state of being examined
2
: a test to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge

Medical Definition

examination

noun
ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce examination (audio)
: the act or process of inspecting or testing for evidence of disease or abnormality see physical examination

Legal Definition

examination

noun
ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion
: the act or process of examining
especially : a formal questioning especially in a court proceeding see also cross-examination, direct examination, recross-examination, redirect examination compare affidavit, deposition

More from Merriam-Webster on examination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about examination

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