query 1 of 2

Definition of querynext

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
The answer to each query was no. David K. Li, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026 Computing companies like Dell and Cisco are expected to incorporate the new chips into their data centers, and AI labs such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and xAI are likely to embrace the new tech for training and to provide more sophisticated answers to queries. Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
This refers to Google’s ability to ensure that Gemini and other AI products depending on Google Cloud can still work well when queried by a skyrocketing number of users. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025 In traditional publishing, fiction writers typically query a finished manuscript and sign with an agent, who puts the book on submission to publishing houses. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 22 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • No doubt that came after conversations with his leadership core of players, too.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Now two new polls show serious doubts among Americans about acquiring Greenland, a self-governing, autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a longstanding NATO ally.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Joseph has six different head-coaching interview requests as of Friday afternoon.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2026
  • However, the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility can review a government device upon request.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Fox News Digital attempted to question Block about McCuskey's statement after oral arguments for the case in the Supreme Court Tuesday, but Block walked away from the first wave of questioning to take a picture with his team and client.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Lawmakers will kick off their budget writing process by questioning both the legislative analyst and the governor’s finance staff, Gabriel said.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • After completing the 10-day academy, volunteers are asked to commit a minimum of one six-hour patrol shift each week and attend a one-hour monthly meeting.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
  • The e-commerce site asked a federal judge yesterday to block Saks’ bankruptcy financing plan, accusing the retailer of failing to hold up its agreement.
    Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Officers located the teenager’s parents and interrogated them about the incident.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The agreement gives state troopers the ability to interrogate anyone believed to be an immigrant, arrest immigrants in certain instances, and transport immigrants to ICE.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • European and Ukrainian reactions ranged from cautious engagement to outright skepticism.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • However, some legal experts and investors are anticipating a partial or full refutation of the president’s IEEPA tariffs, as the justices showed skepticism during arguments about the president’s authority to levy such taxes without Congressional approval.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The lawmakers have pushed back against the administration and argued the Justice Department's inquiries are politically motivated.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Huawei, in response to CNBC inquiries, declined to comment on its intention to list or stay private.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Nor did his habit of challenging teachers during lectures win him many friends among the academic staff.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
  • The common thread may be America’s determination to challenge China and its dominance of critical minerals.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

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