Definition of catechizenext
1
as in to ask
to put a question or questions to her roommates catechized her about every detail of her first day at her new job

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2
as in to interrogate
to put a series of questions to applicants are rigorously catechized by the seminary's rector regarding their motives for joining the priesthood

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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 catechize Priests could not catechize children, bring the sacraments to the sick, or do pastoral work outside the local churchyard. George Weigel, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catechize
Verb
  • On the topic of arresting homeless people, moderators asked how Bianco's sheriff's office has been known to do.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • Patients were concerned too, and some asked Hulse what would happen to the new clinic after her team left.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Employing a cast of non-professional locals, the film playfully interrogates the brutal but bungled occupation while also allowing its actors — many of whom are descendants of the fascists’ victims — to reinterpret and reclaim a chapter in their city’s past.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • Later, people tell me that the police interrogated her like a potential suspect—not harshly, just because of standard procedure.
    Akash Kapur, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Residents at a homeowner association meeting in April questioned how an Iron Mountain data center crept into their backyard unnoticed.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
  • Americans are seriously questioning his handling of key issues, such as inflation, immigration, jobs and foreign affairs.
    Tatishe Nteta, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • After examining replays, Vazquez was awarded his first career MLS goal instead of it being deemed an own-goal.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The research team examined the molar with a micro-CT scan and a scanning electron microscope.
    Ari Daniel, NPR, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Catechize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catechize. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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