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

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
For example, in 2025, IBM replaced hundreds of traditional HR roles with autonomous AI agents that automated 94% of routine administrative queries. — Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The RealReal and eBay are already experiencing an uptick in vintage Prada skirt queries for those who wish to recreate the runway magic. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
To get this to work, the system had to take the syndrome data obtained from querying the measurement qubits and figure out the nature of any errors that were detected. — ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026 Brands were given the opportunity to confirm or query the biggest size found; otherwise, the initial findings were used. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Election deniers are using public records to sow doubt in California.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Those fiscal strains come as political volatility and social unrest raise doubts about the government’s ability to deliver measures aimed at stabilizing the public finances.
    — Jenni Reid,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • When Wilson sent me her timeline, her request for the operative actions of the city (resolutions and ordinances) was nearly four weeks old.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Attorneys for the school district did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Star-Telegram.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors said the 33-year-old suspect, a German citizen who has ties to the Berchtesgaden area but doesn't currently live there, was questioned.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • A number of protesters were also taken in for questioning and not allowed to join planned marches, according to local media.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The person asked a mutual contact to warn Rosman, according to three people familiar with that exchange.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Attendees asked engineers to provide preliminary cost estimates for street lighting running from the stadium connection north to Swepco Road.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In May, 2023, the prosecutors finally interrogated Kotthaus and Rau.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In practice, that means juniors sitting in on meetings to watch colleagues interrogate the numbers, being present when real decisions get made, and gaining experience in different departments.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But during an hourslong hearing on Tuesday, Carter expressed skepticism, saying that setting aside so many ballots could disenfranchise legitimate voters.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Attacks by Palestinian terrorist groups throughout the 1990s deepened Israelis’ skepticism about the prospects of peace, which helped to bring Netanyahu to power in 1996.
    — Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The charges should not have been brought, and Bhengura does not belong in prison, Mario Herrera, a lawyer who represents Bhengura, wrote in response to an inquiry from a reporter.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Netanyahu’s opponents said he should be held accountable for the security failures that occurred on his watch and have demanded a commission of inquiry.
    — Giovanna Dell'Orto, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • During the state elections in 1967, Jagdish Master, a teacher turned activist, challenged the veto of the landlords over Dalit suffrage by escorting a group of Dalits to a polling booth in Ekwari, a village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The ban passed in April 2025 and is being challenged by a group of educators, students, parents and activists who say the law violates their 1st and 14th Amendment rights.
    — Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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