question

noun ques·tion \ ˈkwes-chən , ˈkwesh- \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: question in a Sentence

Definition of question

1 a (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

2 a : 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

See question defined for English-language learners

See question defined for kids

Examples of question in a Sentence

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?

Recent Examples of question from the Web

Where these weapons came from has also been a huge question for archaeologists.

— National Geographic, "When, How Did the First Americans Arrive? It’s Complicated.," 9 June 2018
That's the question at the heart of a landmark case that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled on Thursday.

— jen christensen, CNN, "Family can sue Walgreens over woman's death after insurance denial, court says," 8 June 2018
There is also the question of family commitments, and balancing care with the demands of politics.

— jo swinson, Time, "Women Now Outnumber Men in Spain's Cabinet. What's Holding Them Back Elsewhere?," 8 June 2018
What to do in Southeastern Massachusetts has been a complicated question for the gaming commission.

— mark arsenault, BostonGlobe.com, "Company renews bid for Brockton casino," 7 June 2018
Even if Mills, Darby and Jones were to be the main three corners, there is some question as to who would play where.

— jeff mclane, Philly.com, "Eagles practice observations: The cornerback competition; What's up with Isaac Seumalo?; Mike Wallace shines," 7 June 2018
At the heart of the district’s struggle is not just a question about textbooks, but teaching style, preference of learning and even identity.

— andrew j. campa, latimes.com, "Glendale Unified’s mathematics gridlock continues," 7 June 2018
There is no question that coming to the Dallas Cowboys was a dream come true for offensive line coach Paul Alexander.

— clarence e. hill jr., star-telegram, "Paul Alexander says coaching Cowboys offensive line feels like he's gone to heaven," 6 June 2018
With its days of lightning-fast growth seemingly behind it, there is a real question about whether athenahealth’s stock, at least at the current value, is anywhere close to worth it.

— clifton leaf, Fortune, "The Blunt Truth About athenahealth’s Jonathan Bush," 6 June 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of question

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin quaestion-, quaestio, from quaerere to seek, ask

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

See Words from the same year

question Synonyms

Synonyms

challenge, complaint, demur, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, expostulation, fuss, kick, objection, protest, remonstrance, stink;

Near Antonyms

willingness;

approval, sanction;

acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent;

compliance, obedience;

cavil, quibble;

argument, conflict, debate, dispute, quarrel, squabble;

censure, criticism;

defiance, disobedience, rebellion;

distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, incertitude, indetermination, misdoubt, mistrust, mistrustfulness, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty;

qualmishness, unease, uneasiness;

reluctance, unwillingness;

question

verb

Definition of question

questioned; questioning; questions

transitive verb

1 : to ask a question of or about

2 : to interrogate intensively : cross-examine

3 a : doubt, dispute

b : to subject to analysis : examine

intransitive verb

: to ask questions : inquire

—

questioner

noun

See question defined for English-language learners

Examples of question in a Sentence

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 of question from the Web

Howard then threatens to fire Jake for being unprofessional in his handling of Fred, questioning Simone’s choice of lover in the process.

— refinery29.com, "Sweetbitter Episode 6: Careful What You Wish For," 11 June 2018
Schools praise the programs as helping to boost graduation rates, but some educators question their rigor.

— tawnell d. hobbs, WSJ, "A New Way to Avoid Summer School for Failing Students," 10 June 2018
But what distinguishes Smith’s newest work from earlier collections is its rootedness in questioning U.S. history and identity.

— adrianna smith, The Atlantic, "What Tracy K. Smith Sees in America," 9 June 2018
Shooter responded with a taunt, questioning what his opponent was afraid of.

— rachel leingang, azcentral, "Lawsuit alleges Don Shooter doesn't live in district where he filed to run," 8 June 2018
This isn't the first time a Texas death row prisoner has fought his sentence by questioning the lethal injection process.

— keri blakinger, Houston Chronicle, "Houston serial killer Danny Bible's lawyers say he is too sick to execute, predict botched procedure," 8 June 2018
Will Fischer, a senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, questioned the timing of the rental increases, which haven't occurred on such a large scale since 1981.

— NBC News, "HUD proposal to raise rents on poor could increase homelessness, advocates say," 7 June 2018
In that video, Michael’s uncle, Victor, is heard questioning officers.

— connor perrett, Teen Vogue, "Chicago Police Handcuffed an Innocent 10-Year-Old," 7 June 2018
Mourinho is believed to want to keep the player as an option to play up front next season, though has publicly questioned his attitude.

— SI.com, "Tottenham Officials Prepare to Open Talks With Man Utd in Bid to Sign Unsettled French Forward," 6 June 2018

First Known Use of question

15th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

question Synonyms

Phrases

call in question (or into);

Synonym Discussion of question

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

QUESTION Defined for English Language Learners

question

noun

Definition of question for English Language Learners

: 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

Definition of question for English Language Learners

: to ask (someone) questions about something
: to have or express doubt about (something)

QUESTION Defined for Kids

question

noun ques·tion \ ˈkwes-chən \

Definition of question for Students

1 : something asked

Please answer my question.

2 : a topic discussed or argued about

The book raises several questions.

3 : objection 1

He obeyed without question.

4 : doubt or uncertainty about something

I trust him without question.

5 : possibility 1, chance

There was no question of escape.

question

verb

Definition of question for Students

questioned; questioning

1 : to ask questions of or about

Lawyers questioned the witness.

2 : to have or express doubts about

They questioned his loyalty.

Law Dictionary

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)