query 1 of 2

Definition of querynext

query

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb query contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of query are ask, inquire, interrogate, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When might ask be a better fit than query?

In some situations, the words ask and query are roughly equivalent. However, ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When can inquire be used instead of query?

While in some cases nearly identical to query, 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

In what contexts can interrogate take the place of query?

The synonyms interrogate and query are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Where would question be a reasonable alternative to query?

The words question and query are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

How does the verb query contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of query are ask, inquire, interrogate, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When might ask be a better fit than query?

In some situations, the words ask and query are roughly equivalent. However, ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When can inquire be used instead of query?

While in some cases nearly identical to query, 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

In what contexts can interrogate take the place of query?

The synonyms interrogate and query are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Where would question be a reasonable alternative to query?

The words question and query are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 query
Noun
Still, listeners flooded social media with concern and queries as to why HEESEUNG couldn’t simply pursue independent opportunities while remaining as a member of ENHYPEN, pointing to the way members of BTS, BLACKPINK and other K-pop groups have successfully balanced both in recent years. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2026 Kerr, never having been shy to share his opinion on a variety of topics pertaining to both basketball and politics, took a moment to consider the query. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Instead, the doctor queried the chatbot, and received an effective prescription immediately. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 13 Feb. 2026 The company helps its clients connect their data with AI models to launch custom agents, in addition to providing tools for storing, processing and querying data. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • The uncertainty comes on top of doubts already surrounding India’s more than $120 million investment in the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Iran’s Chabahar Port.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
  • There were some doubts about the RedHawks earning an at-large NCAA Tournament berth.
    Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The lawyer, Michael Carlinsky, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
    LARRY NEUMEISTER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
  • An attorney who represented Ackerman did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday evening.
    Nathan Pilling March 17, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • However, that conclusion has been questioned by some critics.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Obscuring the title of the organization also caused few to question why the Democrat’s name had replaced that of baseball great Roberto Clemente, who was killed in a 1972 plane crash when flying to Nicaragua to deliver aid to earthquake victims.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Those employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of retribution, described being asked a wide range of questions about government contracts and campaign donations.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Medvedev, already up one set, asked chair umpire Aurelie Tourte for a video review.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The militia had first interrogated the Delaware and Mohican about the location of their material possessions before killing them to ensure a successful plunder of pewter, tea sets, furs, and clothing.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
  • From the beginning, this project set out to interrogate the mythologies surrounding artificial intelligence and to make visible the human choices embedded within these systems.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But that skepticism served as fuel for some Horned Frogs like leading scorer David Punch.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Before the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s military leadership showed little interest in drone technology and treated it with skepticism, said Yaroslav Honchar, co-founder of drone innovation nonprofit Aerorozvidka.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That element of the investigation was the focus of a recent TV report, which tied the inquiry to whether the couple used their authority for financial and professional gain.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The lack of any basis to pursue voter fraud investigations into the 2020 election in Nevada raises further questions about why similar inquiries are being pursued in other swing states, including Georgia and Arizona, and why there is probable cause to suggest fraud occurred in those other states.
    Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Because college football players can’t unionize and bargain rules, anti-tampering and other prohibitions aren’t exempt from antitrust scrutiny and can be challenged as unreasonable restraints on trade and price-fixing schemes.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Record highs may be challenged in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13, with temperatures near 90 degrees, AccuWeather said.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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