query 1 of 2

query

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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
Grok made alarming replies while responding to queries about the fatal flash floods in Texas. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 9 July 2025 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a query to determine if further action is needed to address a rollaway issue affecting 2013-2018 Ram trucks. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
Leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch of the Conservative Party, queried whether the government would increase taxes in November to combat the new potential costs of the bill. Callum Sutherland, Time, 2 July 2025 There are countless models in the AI space, and determining the best one to direct one’s prompts also takes some understanding of the topic, the context, and the model being queried. Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • There is no doubt that Bayern is going to make another offer for the Liverpool forward.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Had there been surveillance video, there is little doubt that things would have turned out differently for those innocent boys.
    Robert Chiarito, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Wheaton granted the request and Raoul’s office has agreed to the role.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The defense did not object, and Hippler granted the request.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Carlson questioned why Epstein had never been asked about a connection with Barak or Mossad.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 14 July 2025
  • The song captures Rumi’s internal struggle and her growing uncertainty about the road ahead, marking a shift in her journey from confident leader to someone questioning the cost of it all.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The department published a serious note to its Facebook page early Monday after the Free Press asked about it.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • You’re asked to enroll your Wi-Fi smart thermostat in a bring-your-own-thermostat program.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Whether through poetry, music, film, or performance, his work defies convention and interrogates systems with rhythmic force and radical clarity.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 14 July 2025
  • The program is led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and allows police officers to interrogate immigrants in their custody and detain them for potential deportation.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • The lack of trust and growing skepticism about Netanyahu’s intentions are reflected in the dwindling public approval among Israelis.
    Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, Time, 7 July 2025
  • Many in Trump's cabinet have previously expressed concern over the implications of an overly strong dollar, and skepticism regarding its status as the world's reserve currency.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Blain said in the statement that the independent investigative report — and the censure vote — were not objective inquiries, but the result of politics.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
  • Enabling representatives with tools, insights and autonomy transforms routine inquiries into brand-defining moments that fuel business growth.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Volunteers, search dogs and drones have joined the effort, with some rescuers maneuvering through challenging terrain filled with snakes.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 July 2025
  • Of course the market is challenged, but there isn't a brand issue.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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