as in question
an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge
though she phrased it as an interrogative, it was clear that the utterance was more of a command
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in quizzical
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of interrogative
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
Audit your schedule with this interrogative prompt.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
Her interrogative installations use collage, painting and light to create off kilter realities laced with social commentary.
—Briana Miller, oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2023
Other interrogative terms typically solicit specific information.
—Seyward Darby, Longreads, 17 Aug. 2022
These law enforcement officers had been trained in all the interrogative techniques that are utilized to elicit a confession.
—Eric Fleischauer The Decatur Daily, al, 2 Dec. 2022
Here are nine animating, searching, and interrogative titles with which to start.
—Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 26 June 2022
But Smaker is on a different mission in her searing film, the very existence of which often feels like a miracle and an interrogative act of defiance.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 24 Jan. 2022
James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2019
But Zuckerberg didn’t reply to any hallway interrogatives.
—Chad Pergram, Fox News, 11 Apr. 2018
Owing either to marketing efforts or issues that can only be determined in a therapy session, the signature hits of the Canadian child star’s adult career have boasted choruses as interrogatives.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2017
Noun
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
Audit your schedule with this interrogative prompt.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
Her interrogative installations use collage, painting and light to create off kilter realities laced with social commentary.
—Briana Miller, oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2023
Other interrogative terms typically solicit specific information.
—Seyward Darby, Longreads, 17 Aug. 2022
These law enforcement officers had been trained in all the interrogative techniques that are utilized to elicit a confession.
—Eric Fleischauer The Decatur Daily, al, 2 Dec. 2022
Here are nine animating, searching, and interrogative titles with which to start.
—Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 26 June 2022
But Smaker is on a different mission in her searing film, the very existence of which often feels like a miracle and an interrogative act of defiance.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 24 Jan. 2022
Adjective
How about: to the huge, throbbing interrogative that is America at the end of 2019.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2019
But Zuckerberg didn’t reply to any hallway interrogatives.
—Chad Pergram, Fox News, 11 Apr. 2018
Owing either to marketing efforts or issues that can only be determined in a therapy session, the signature hits of the Canadian child star’s adult career have boasted choruses as interrogatives.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrogative
Noun
-
When the latter walked out for batting practice on Saturday, McGriff had a question for Jensen, as Anne Rogers of Royals.com noted.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
-
Countless studies have shown that outcomes for citizens improve when members of the media ask probing questions of politicians.—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Other jurors appeared curious and quizzical, some looking at Cassie or jotting notes.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
-
Team owner Shad Khan looked up with a quizzical expression.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
After the trauma has passed, people may feel stuck in a fight-or-flight pattern, dealing with symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative thinking, and changes in emotional reactions.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
16 July 2025
-
However, the data on Gen Z’s lukewarm reception shows that these features may actually feel more intrusive than helpful.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Interrogative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interrogative. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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