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

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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 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
  • Court records show that the investigation into the initial allegations was inconclusive.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Omar has denounced the investigations as a politically motivated conspiracy against her, and used it to urge supporters to donate to her reelection campaign.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Kotlikoff did not immediately respond Tuesday to an email inquiry about Jane Doe’s letter.
    — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The inquiry asked about the NBA’s role in the matter, possible discipline and whether the teams would be instructed to be present for the anthem before Wednesday’s Game 3.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • The national police are in possession of Thomas Markle’s computer, Philippines interior minister Jonvic Remulla told the outlet, to conduct a digital forensic examination.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Just as in his examination of Captain Sully or his exploration of parenting or an episode about cloned puppies, Fielder is uninterested in the technical realities or the concrete, easily provable facts.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • Helium plays an important role in wind, solar and nuclear energy production, space exploration, medical imaging and research.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Both shows veer into surprisingly philosophical and meta explorations of love, memory, perception, and performance.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • Structural studies revealed wide-open cavities that accommodate large plastic polymers.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Seven billionaires who have publicly moved out of California account for roughly $540 billion in wealth, CBS News reported, citing the study.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • Hunter Foster had been cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Mississippi attorney general’s office earlier this week after its monthslong probe concluded his use of force had been justified.
    — Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Insert probe-style thermometer through foil into thickest part of breast.
    — Alton Brown, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of probe
Noun
  • This is the kind of clever probing and intuiting that makes shows like this fun.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of probing

Browse Nearby Words

inquiry
inquisition
inquisitional
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Cite this Entry

“Inquisition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquisition. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inquisition

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