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
  • FlyDubai, the lower-cost sister carrier of Emirates airlines, said its flights to and from Israel would be suspended while an investigation takes place.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The seven Chi Phi members in question were suspended, expelled, or faced other consequences, such as writing an essay, but most were allowed to continue their education at the university following a monthslong Title IX investigation.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Cassidy, who led the inquiry into Saphier's views on vaccines, ultimately voted in support of her nomination.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Even for Adnan’s biggest fans, the documentary beckons us toward further inquiry, her work a site of continuous discovery in language, both visual and written.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • The youth movement, which emerged earlier this year out of anger over high unemployment among young people and leaked examination papers, has grown into a political force.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Writer-director Reed Van Dyk’s feature debut navigates tricky emotional waters but emerges as a trenchant examination of what forgiveness and penitence can look like, allowing no room for anything resembling a pat happy ending.
    — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • There are some films like this on other social justice issues that movie beyond a kind of polemic into a deeper exploration of the material.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
  • PinkPantheress credits Kelela, along with Kaytranada, as being an essential influence on her exploration of electronic music.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • In a new study published this week in the journal Antiquity, researchers describe how a group of historians helped discover the early medieval monastery in a stroke of good luck.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The eye-popping money will help to speed up construction, with groundbreaking set to start next year and the first Miami students beginning their studies in 2028.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • The Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement the probe was initiated after a complaint from China’s domestic industry.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The probe, which comes one day after top tech leaders signed a self-regulatory AI accord at the White House, could compel tech CEOs to testify before Congress.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Inquisition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquisition. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inquisition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inquisition

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