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
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 So rather than treating every query as a simple question-and-answer task, the system evaluates the operational context before generating a recommendation. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Verb
Some firms now require employees to document their own reasoning before querying AI and flag where the two diverge, turning a usage log into an actual signal of judgment. Juliette Han, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Fin’s primary offering is an AI agent capable of resolving chat, email, WhatsApp, text message, phone, and Slack queries, Salesforce said. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 15 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
  • The Interior Department did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request when asked on Friday if the panels will be replaced by the July 4 holiday this weekend.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • This change was implemented at the request of the state's board of education.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 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
  • The Average Problem Dines has been running his own experiments with frontier models, asking them to write in distinct styles and then interrogating them about why the output comes back bland.
    Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Her new album, Fata Morgana, uses an array of cascading rhythms, impish hooks, and fierce poetry to interrogate her place in a corrupt American society.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Humans are hardwired to resist change, so implementing new technologies is often met with skepticism or pushback.
    Bill Pappas, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • For decades, African football has faced criticism and skepticism, often based on unfounded racial stereotypes.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • This will trigger a hard credit inquiry that will temporarily lower your credit score several points.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 1 July 2026
  • To stop seeking answers is a choice to dim a light that has guided human inquiry for millennia.
    Florencia Canelli, Scientific American, 1 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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