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

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
The site frequently tops search results for the sort of hyper-specific queries that AI tools invite users to ask. Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 For example, early versions of Google’s generative AI Overview feature, which debuted in 2024, often provided incorrect answers to user queries. Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 June 2026
Verb
Flay frequently answers fans’ queries about his Food Network series on social media, addressing a wide variety of topics. Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 For its last week, guests turned the tables and queried Colbert. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Certainly, there’s no doubt that your environment makes a difference to your wellbeing.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • There remains little doubt in this old scout’s mind that Shohei Ohtani remains the best baseball player on the planet.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • But the Sheriff’s Department has continued to deny the commission’s requests, citing the advice of the office of county counsel.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
  • Israel’s request to see the text was rejected by the US, an Israeli source told CNN.
    Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Skaggs’ widow, Carli Skaggs, and his mother, Debbie Hetman, both took the stand, and were questioned about the contents of Tyler’s phone that showed messages and pictures relating to drug use.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 9 Dec. 2025
  • Many members of Gen Z are now competing in an increasingly tight job market and left questioning whether a college degree is still the key to landing a stable job.
    Jennifer Liu Zachary Green, CNBC, 8 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • According to sources, Thomas was asked to appear as well but ultimately decided not to participate.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 12 June 2026
  • He was confronted with the accusation on the course and was asked to leave, the outlet reported.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The film is based on an original idea by the musician and interrogates the layered complexities of pop stardom.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2025
  • The 57-year-old executive was interrogated on a variety of points.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 5 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The skepticism isn’t limited to Chicago.
    Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
  • But Kennedy’s silence has served to deepen skepticism among experts.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Every four years, coinciding with the US presidential election cycle, Tiegerman said his firm sees an uptick in inquiries from potential and current clients about renouncing US citizenship and the implications that come with it.
    Terry Ward, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
  • The probe is still ongoing, as is a police inquiry whose findings were due two months ago.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Dosenbach says the results have challenged his assumptions about standardized testing for kids—and about screen time.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 11 June 2026
  • If a young person expresses a distorted belief, unhealthy coping strategy or potentially harmful idea, the chatbot may validate parts of that thinking rather than appropriately challenging it.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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