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
Standard closed-model deployments route prompts through external infrastructure, meaning proprietary workflows, customer data, and strategic processes leave the building every time an employee runs a query. Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Anyway, this phrase survived my query letter, made it into my agent’s submission letter to editors, and ended up in my editor’s copy on the back of the book. Sarah Schulman, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Verb
And federal law enforcement regularly queries the FISA database for Americans' information and reviews their content. Eric McDaniel, NPR, 12 June 2026 The poll took place between June 5 and June 8 and queried 1,642 Maine residents online. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie looked like Serie A regulars, Folarin Balogun’s finishing was on song and Gio Reyna put to rest any doubts about his selection by channelling his inner Luka Modric.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • As tech stocks waver on doubts the AI boom will prove sustainable, India is emerging as a safe haven for global investors looking to hedge their bets and weather the volatility, Bloomberg wrote.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Trump weighs a return to war with Iran Sit’s attorney, Kate Corrigan, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 11 July 2026
  • Plans for a data center in Henderson County are apparently on hold for now after the developer did not provide justification for a request to pull a maximum of nearly 2 billion gallons of water a year from Cedar Creek Lake.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Buchhorn’s conviction was overturned in 2021, after the Court of Appeals of Kansas found Buchhorn’s defense did not sufficiently question Erik Mitchell of Frontier Forensics Midwest, an independent contractor who performed Oliver’s autopsy.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
  • Trump has routinely teased the possibility of seeking a third term since returning to office and openly questioned whether he would be allowed to do so.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • When asked about his All-Star nod over the weekend, Joe Ryan focused on his team’s offense and the upcoming schedule instead of himself.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Darnell didn’t have an answer when asked if Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in the final game of the California Classic.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • But the filmmaker proves more interested in interrogating that ethos than recreating it, and few horror mythologies are better suited to exploring betrayal and regret than one built around the refusal to let the dead remain dead.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
  • After being interrogated, Hale was hanged at age 21, about two months after the Declaration of Independence.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • However, JPMorgan Chase CEO Marianne Lake expressed skepticism about consumer readiness, highlighting concerns over trust, security, and liability when AI handles transactions.
    Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Research firm BernsteinSG, in a note after Thursday's announcement, expressed skepticism.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • On Wednesday morning, the NCAA sent a letter of inquiry to Cincinnati centered on Sorsby and his time with the program.
    Cal Phillips July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
  • These collective actions are crucial to safeguard scholarly inquiry and faculty independence against political interference.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Isaienko and his friends wanted to challenge the perception that climbing was reserved for elite athletes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • However, with thousands of dividend-paying companies to choose from, identifying the right stocks can be challenging.
    Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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