query 1 of 2

Definition of querynext

query

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb query contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of query are ask, inquire, interrogate, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When might ask be a better fit than query?

In some situations, the words ask and query are roughly equivalent. However, ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When can inquire be used instead of query?

While in some cases nearly identical to query, 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

In what contexts can interrogate take the place of query?

The synonyms interrogate and query are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Where would question be a reasonable alternative to query?

The words question and query are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

How does the verb query contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of query are ask, inquire, interrogate, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When might ask be a better fit than query?

In some situations, the words ask and query are roughly equivalent. However, ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When can inquire be used instead of query?

While in some cases nearly identical to query, 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

In what contexts can interrogate take the place of query?

The synonyms interrogate and query are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Where would question be a reasonable alternative to query?

The words question and query are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of query
Noun
Agentic SaaS platforms provide the necessary metadata and secure infrastructure that allow agents to execute tasks — from billing support to promotional queries — with the accuracy required for production. Mohith Shrivastava, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 In a recent investigation, MIT found that AI training may consume seven or eight times more energy than a typical computing workload and a single query sent to ChatGPT may consume five times more electricity than a Google search. Greta Cross, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
Beginning in 2009, the public could query the Office of Insurance Regulation’s Quarterly and Supplemental Reporting System (QUASR) system for comparative information, including the number of policies written by each company in each of Florida’s 67 counties. Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026 Warren and other Democrats already have queried David Ellison over the way that Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount Global went down last year. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • There have been plenty of doubts about the Braves' starting rotation.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • And if there’s any doubt as to whether the electronics withstand the dangers of space, just take some solace in knowing that even tech built more than 50 years ago can be up to the task.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Cator Ruma did not respond to the Idaho Statesman’s request for a comment or interview.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The appeals court denied the request, and the public defender’s client, Kyle Kjoller, was ultimately convicted on several felony firearms charges.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If someone invokes these rights, police are supposed to stop questioning them immediately.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Quinn says investigators questioned his story.
    Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Ali, who wasn’t formally charged, called his family to say that he would be released on bail, and asked them to gather the funds and collect him from prison.
    Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The Manteca Fire Department is taking action and trying to get ahead of this fire season by asking residents to reduce fire danger or face fines.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • John Shaban, a former three-term Republican state representative from Redding, was interrogated about the recent administrative suspension of his law license in New York and, before that, his being charged with disorderly conduct after an argument with his girlfriend.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026
  • One of the most grimly funniest moments of the movie sees Tereza interrogate the boat driver about that wedding ring on his finger.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But some of North Korea's past claims about major weapons tests drew outside skepticism.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In the short term is was effective, but was also met with skepticism over the long-term impact.
    Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Either Empire or Lowe’s will handle future customer service inquiries and warranty claims.
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The realms of philosophy and religion have sometimes intersected in conducting such inquiries as these.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Angels challenged a successful steal by Hoerner in the sixth, but the call was upheld.
    Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Some two dozen states already challenged the new tariffs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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