inquisition

noun

ˌin-kwə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce inquisition (audio)
Definition of inquisitionnext
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something there's no need to conduct an inquisition about so trivial a matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 inquisition Tuttle’s fearless inquisition won’t insult your intelligence, ask your mercy or hogtie your feelings. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026 In any event, Levinson still believes that this inquisition undermined the larger point being made about institutional abuse. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2026 Conservative influencers are pushing for a return to the dark days of 1950s inquisitions. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026 With that and a few more inquisitions from Farley, Webster opened up about his life story, starting with living in his van for two years. — Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquisition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquisition
  1. investigation
  2. inquiry
  3. examination
  4. exploration
  5. study
  6. probe
  7. probing
Noun
  • The incident was reported Tuesday, off the Omani coast, the UKMTO said, which added that the resulting fire had been extinguished, all crew members were reported safe, and an investigation was underway.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Jeff Pope is penning a drama about the investigation into Everard’s 2021 murder for the BBC.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Clarke’s legacy, of a philosophical cinema that turns form into inquiry, critique, and protest, is also a cinema of paradox.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
  • An official inquiry into the intelligence that led to the decision was later established.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Once removed by helicopter, the wreckage will likely have to be flown out on a cargo plane for examination.
    — Irene Byon, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
  • On cross examination, Sprague asked about Clancy's tone after checking out of McLean Hospital after being admitted to the psychiatric facility for five days in January 2023.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • The resource holds enormous value for deep-space exploration and a potential lunar base because it can be converted to breathable air, drinking water or even rocket fuel.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Preparations have been carried out at the Wenchang launch site for the Chang’e-7 mission over the past weeks, the seventh in the Chang’e moon exploration program.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • The new study instead places particular emphasis on a continent-scale rift-flank escarpment formed during Rodinia’s breakup.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • However, according to the latest study, there was no evidence of trauma or pathological conditions on her remains that could have led to her death.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • The team also used a nanoscale gold probe that served as a heat source and a precise sensor for mapping heat propagation, creating conditions for phonon focusing at a room temperature of 80 Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Walter has not been charged with wrongdoing in the insurance probe.
    — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of probe
Noun
  • There was Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, accepting an award for his relentless probing of the White House.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026
  • But neither of them seemed eager to undergo much emotional probing.
    — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of probing

Browse Nearby Words

inquiry
inquisition
inquisitional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inquisition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquisition. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on inquisition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inquisition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of cogent

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All