question

noun

ques·tion | \ ˈkwes-chən

, ˈkwesh-\

Definition of question

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1) : an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge

(2) : an interrogative sentence or clause

b : a subject or aspect in dispute or open for discussion : issue broadly : problem, matter

c(1) : a subject or point of debate or a proposition to be voted on in a meeting

(2) : the bringing of such to a vote

d : the specific point at issue

2a : an act or instance of asking : inquiry

b : interrogation also : a judicial or official investigation

c : torture as part of an examination

d(1) : objection, dispute true beyond question

(2) : room for doubt or objection little question of his skill

(3) : chance, possibility no question of escape

question

verb

questioned; questioning; questions

Definition of question (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to ask a question of or about

2 : to interrogate intensively : cross-examine

3a : doubt, dispute

b : to subject to analysis : examine

intransitive verb

: to ask questions : inquire

Other Words from question Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about question

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Synonyms & Antonyms for question

Synonyms: Noun

interrogative, problem

Synonyms: Verb

challenge, contest, dispute, impeach, oppugn, query

Antonyms: Verb

accept, believe, embrace, swallow

Choose the Right Synonym for question

Verb

ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information. ask implies no more than the putting of a question. ask for directions question usually suggests the asking of series of questions. questioned them about every detail of the trip interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning. the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation. queried a librarian about the book inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions. began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

Examples of question in a Sentence

Noun

Can I ask you a personal question? I don't understand the question. Are there any more questions? In answer to your question, our next meeting will be on Friday. The essay questions on the test were easy. There are 10 multiple-choice questions on the exam. The exam included several questions on current events. The question arose as to who would be responsible for caring for our grandmother. I expected him to ask where I worked, but the question never came up. The key question in solving the mystery is, how did the murderer enter the house?

Verb

The reporter questioned her at length on her life as the First Lady. The witness was questioned by the defense. I could tell that she was questioning my decision. He began to question his ability to do the job. I trusted him and I never questioned what he told me. The lawyer questioned the truth of the witness's statement. He began to question whether the things she had said were really true.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In its wake are questions about whether concerts are a responsible use of park land. — Author: Madeline Mcgee, Anchorage Daily News, "Can Chugach State Park be a music venue? Backcountry concert prompts officials to rethink event permitting," 10 June 2019 Whether the Federal Aviation Administration will open up the skies to Jeff Bezos and company, however, is an open question. — Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY, "Apple, Amazon, YouTube: Safer, faster & less annoying," 8 June 2019 The language and constructions of self-identification have not always been the same; how did the person see themselves and their desires, is a constant question when considering historical queers. — Jeanna Kadlec, Longreads, "The 19th Century Lesbian Made for 21st Century Consumption," 7 June 2019 Why screenwriters insist on associating female power with emotions is a question for another day, but Captain Marvel handily dealt with the dated notion by essentially rolling its eyes at its misogynist critics. — Time, "Review: Late Night Is a Pitch-Perfect Workplace Comedy," 7 June 2019 There are questions about where Callihan will play in the field, but the Reds like his advanced approach at the plate and above-average power. — Bobby Nightengale, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Reds' Scooter Gennett moving closer to return, will head to Arizona next week," 7 June 2019 But there are also questions about whether Compass will be able to make money. — The Economist, "Magic mushrooms, illegal in most places, may have therapeutic uses," 7 June 2019 There is also a question over how smoothly Durant would re-adjust to the Warriors’ system. — Connor Letourneau, SFChronicle.com, "Warriors running low on time for Kevin Durant’s return," 6 June 2019 But there is a question over how long the hold-off-for-now position can last. — Luke Johnson, Fortune, "House Democrats Have a Decision to Make—Impeach Trump or Not?," 6 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

She was questioned by the F.B.I. and asked to be repatriated. — Robin Wright, The New Yorker, "America’s ISIS Members Are Coming Home," 11 June 2019 In Monday's hearing, Suffolk was questioned in particular about the use of Huawei technology in Chinese detention centers in the western region of Xinjiang, where the US claims up to 2 million Muslim-majority Uyghur may be held. — Ben Westcott, CNN, "Huawei executive labeled a 'moral vacuum' in heated UK hearing," 11 June 2019 But soon, questions were being asked about the six hours when Hernandez was questioned before the videotaping began. — CBS News, "Etan Patz case: 1979 disappearance of NYC boy continues to haunt investigators," 8 June 2019 The development proposed for the Sobeca district hit a wall in July when some council members questioned whether a city analysis accurately reflected its parking demands. — Hillary Davis, latimes.com, "Costa Mesa backs off recently tightened parking requirements for some commercial developments," 7 June 2019 The choice of Ingraham as an interviewer at the WWII remembrance site is also being questioned by media watchdogs. — Heather Timmons, Quartz, "Trump slams US veteran Mueller in D-Day interview at Normandy cemetery," 6 June 2019 The Bel Air Police Department came under fire two years ago when a Bel Air woman said she was questioned by an officer about her immigration status. — Erika Butler, baltimoresun.com, "Bel Air police to sponsor implicit bias training for its officers, others later this summer," 4 June 2019 My children were laughed at and questioned by their friends. — Isaac Arnsdorf, ProPublica, "Trump’s VA Firing Spree Falters in Court," 15 May 2019 The service's authenticity has been questioned many times over the years by customers who have spotted discrepancies and other assorted Truthers. — Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "Domino's Pizza-Spotting App Is a Window Into a Future of Justified Paranoia," 20 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'question.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for question

question

noun

English Language Learners Definition of question

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a sentence, phrase, or word that asks for information or is used to test someone's knowledge

: a matter or problem that is being discussed : a subject or topic

: doubt or uncertainty about something

question

verb

English Language Learners Definition of question (Entry 2 of 2)

: to ask (someone) questions about something

: to have or express doubt about (something)

See the full definition for question in the English Language Learners Dictionary

question

noun

ques·tion | \ ˈkwes-chən

Kids Definition of question

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something asked Please answer my question.

2 : a topic discussed or argued about The book raises several questions.

3 : objection sense 1 He obeyed without question.

4 : doubt or uncertainty about something I trust him without question.

5 : possibility sense 1, chance There was no question of escape.

question

verb

questioned; questioning

Kids Definition of question (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to ask questions of or about Lawyers questioned the witness.

2 : to have or express doubts about They questioned his loyalty.

question

noun

ques·tion

Legal Definition of question

1 : a particular query directed to a witness — compare interrogatory

— hypothetical question \ ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-kəl- \

: a question directed to an expert witness (as a physician) that is based on the existence of facts offered in evidence and the answer to which is an opinion to be considered in light of the evidence

Note: Modern rules of evidence have lessened the need for a hypothetical question setting forth all of the facts to be assumed in answering the question. An expert witness may state an opinion based on data or facts considered reliable in his or her field even if not already disclosed or not admissible as evidence.

— leading question

: a question so framed or presented as to suggest a particular answer leading questions should not be used on the direct examination of a witness except as may be necessary to develop the witness' testimony — Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 611(c)

Note: Leading questions are permitted in cross-examination and in direct examination of an adverse witness or one who is a child or has a communication disorder.

2 : a particular matter or issue that is in dispute, uncertain, or to be inquired into

— certified question

1 : a question of state law that may determine the outcome of a case pending in a federal court and that is submitted by the federal court to the state's highest court when there is no controlling state precedent

2 : a question of law submitted to a federal or state court by a lower court or tribunal

— federal question

: a question that falls under the jurisdiction of a federal court because it requires a resolution of the construction or application of federal law — see also federal question jurisdiction at jurisdiction

— political question

: a question that the court declines to consider because it involves a political matter that is not justiciable without infringing on the powers of the executive or legislative branch or is not accompanied by guiding policy or discoverable and manageable standards for resolving it — see also political question doctrine

— question of fact

: a question that depends on an examination of factual matters, is usually decided by a jury, and is usually not considered on appeal

— question of law

: a question that depends on an examination of law rather than fact, is decided by a judge rather than by a jury, and may be examined on appeal

3 : a proposition submitted to a vote (as in a referendum)