Synonym Chooser

How does the verb interrogate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interrogate are ask, inquire, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When could ask be used to replace interrogate?

The words ask and interrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When is inquire a more appropriate choice than interrogate?

The synonyms inquire and interrogate are sometimes interchangeable, but inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

When might query be a better fit than interrogate?

Although the words query and interrogate have much in common, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When can question be used instead of interrogate?

The words question and interrogate can be used in similar contexts, but question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

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 interrogate From exhibitions interrogating race and class to public programs grappling with climate change and surveillance, Somerset House became a magnet for the conversations audiences crave but most institutions are too afraid to address. Stand for something. Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 The Fallout series is set in 2296, though the story routinely returns to the year 2077, interrogating how corporate interests helped facilitate the nuclear attacks that decimated the world. EW.com, 14 May 2025 Speaking to IndieWire on an episode of the Filmmaker Toolkit Podcast, Graham said that the idea to interrogate how incel culture online leads to violence in the real world was inherently a collaborative one. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 8 May 2025 However, Pakistan did not grant India’s request to interrogate the militant group’s chief. Zia Ur-Rehman, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interrogate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrogate
Verb
  • Here's why Cassie said Combs threatened to 'blow up' Kid Cudi's car During cross-examination, Ventura Fine was asked about her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • That’s the question writer-director Ari Aster’s somber comedy-Western Eddington, playing in competition here at the Cannes Film Festival, appears to be asking.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Auditors examined only 35 of the 139 no-bid contracts over a year and a half but noted that ongoing issues with SANDAG’s record-keeping software prevented them from verifying exactly how many no-bid contracts the agency has.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • The other top challenge for companies is light, which includes examining the lights' color-rendering index and prioritizing low flickering and warm colors.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Some justices question why Trump admin did not seek direct ruling on birthright citizenship Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan asked why the Trump administration on Thursday sought to block nationwide injunctions rather than resolve whether a birthright citizenship order is constitutional.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • While the total square footage of office space owned and leased by the Department of General Services has increased, many state workers question whether there are enough desks for all their colleagues to be in offices in July.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Interrogate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interrogate. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on interrogate

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