Question

complete the sentence with the word that best fits the overall meaning and tone.
perry earned a reputation as the most critical judge on the program by
scrutinizing
scanning
examining

Explanation:

"Scrutinizing" means to examine something very closely and critically. Since Perry is the most critical judge, this word fits best as it implies a detailed and critical look at the contestants. "Scanning" is a more quick and surface - level look. "Examining" is a general term for looking at something, but "scrutinizing" has a stronger connotation of critical and detailed inspection which aligns with the "most critical judge" description.

Answer:

scrutinizing