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
  • Indictments have a lower burden of proof and require only probable cause, while a trial would require prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that each defendant is culpable.
    Jason Henry, Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • That anticipation for Season 3, premiering Sunday, still lingers for Fletcher, though it’s tempered now by doubt and distance, thanks to a four-year gap between seasons.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Despite making a lower hourly rate than Milstein, Chan still collected more in total wages than her in 2025 through cashing out sick and vacation time, according to tax documents and payrolls obtained by The Bee through a public records act request.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Neighbors opposed to a soccer star’s plans for a six-plex in the Westside are appealing after a judge denied their request for a review.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Still, some critics have questioned the role of law enforcement on school campuses, particularly in secondary schools, raising concerns that such programs can feel more like surveillance than support.
    Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The hidden cost of going back to school Students are increasingly questioning the value proposition of higher education.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Aries March 21 – April 19 Your work — professional or personal — may ask a little more of you today.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Namira’s mother often asks her children to copy-edit her e-mails.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 10 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 the signals kept accumulating, and over time, his skepticism gave way to a new line of inquiry that could transform scientists’ understanding of the two diseases.
    Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2026
  • There’s often skepticism when a boutique brand scales up.
    Jeff Miller, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In response to a request for comment, the White House referred NBC News to the Office of Management and Budget, which did not respond to the inquiry.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Each move is supported by a dedicated specialist who guides the customer from initial inquiry through move day completion, ensuring clarity at every stage.
    NIa Bowers, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The very player challenging the legitimacy of their playoff series win on a recent podcast stream with his teammate Jordan Walsh.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • In the latest California shooting, Patrick Kolsasinksi, an attorney representing Hernandez’s family, has challenged Lyon’s claim that his client was a dangerous gang member.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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