inquisitorial

Definition of inquisitorialnext

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 inquisitorial Universities and research institutions face inquisitorial scrutiny. Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquisitorial
Adjective
  • The statues felt interrogative, like something or someone was already disappointed in me.
    Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024
  • The series takes an interrogative approach to its source material, framing Rice’s iconic goth novel and its 1994 film adaptation as the previous version of its story, one in which the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) lies and deceives his interviewer, Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian).
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 May 2024
Adjective
  • By widening the lens, Clark is able to redirect the book’s gaze from the mother toward a quizzical, sometimes critical, but not unaffectionate portrait of two generations of political activism, with the attendant self-involvement and domestic negligence.
    James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Carpenter responded with a quizzical frown.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Poor reputation likely stems from a combination of the chemical’s greasy feel, intrusive smell and name, which is similar to DDT.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
  • Pauses present not only a greater risk of intrusive thoughts, but also a greater opportunity to recalibrate after the hyper-arousal state of playing a point at full intensity, or experiencing the emotional high or low of winning a set or having their serve broken.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Lee will play Maya, the officious Chief of Staff for the Governor of Oklahoma.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 May 2026
  • Her Southern accent is slightly clipped and officious, the type of drawl that’s a stamp of a suburban upbringing.
    Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inquisitorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquisitorial. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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