QUERY Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

query 1 of 2

noun

ˈkwir-ē

Definition of query

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something readers will likely have a query or two about some of the more remarkable episodes in the memoir

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in request

an act or instance of asking for information please respond to my query at your earliest convenience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

query

2 of 2

verb

as in to question

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of it seems odd that someone would want two stoves, so you'd better query that order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to ask

to put a question or questions to queried the professor about the assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to interrogate

to put a series of questions to once the statement was given, the press secretary allowed reporters to query the President

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

However, the creator is fielding queries openly and the project has already surpassed it funding goal. — New Atlas, 10 July 2026 The company will ultimately benefit from rising CPU demand as AI shifts from training to inference, in which AI models process and respond to user queries. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 10 July 2026

Verb

Early use cases, including work with the London Stock Exchange Group, point to a particularly compelling opportunity in finance, where the ability to query complex structured and unstructured data could reshape decision-making. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 July 2026 Ikner also queried ChatGPT about the peak hours of foot traffic at the FSU student union, according to the suit. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for query

Recent Examples of Synonyms for query

Noun

But the public show of confidence hasn’t quieted longstanding doubts about Collins’ chances of ousting Ossoff.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
The unity shown in Ankara will only stimulate additional doubts over Moscow’s capacity to end the conflict favorably.

— Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Definition of doubt

Verb

Rather than questioning Tuchel’s right to criticise, Kane took his manager’s side.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
In past hearings, Paul has frequently questioned the former White House medical adviser about bat coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026

Definition of question

Verb

Of significance, the city is asking the Blazers to pay $3 million annually for a property tax offset, which would escalate over time.

— Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Some hospitality workers may have been asked to work longer hours during the games for higher pay – but that wouldn’t show up meaningfully in the jobs report.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of ask

Verb

The brothers’ previous films included 2021’s Camp Confidential, about European Jews who found asylum in America after fleeing Nazi Europe, enlisted in the Army, and interrogated Nazi war criminals at a secret camp.

— Marisa Fox, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026
Along these routes, the bulldozers piled up mounds to enclose fortified compounds, military outposts and detention facilities where Palestinians were interrogated and tortured.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

Definition of interrogate

Verb

In June, a local watchdog group called Citizens for a Friendly Airport filed its third in a series of lawsuits against the Board of Supervisors, challenging the board’s approval of commercial flights at the airport.

— Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
Opponents can attempt to block ballot measure certification on a variety of grounds, such as challenging the Attorney General’s summary or the constitutionality of the proposal.

— Robert Cordy, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026

Definition of challenge

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“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of query

noun

verb

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