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
Nine out of 10 queries about waiting times feature a question about the averages. — Alicja Turczyk, The Dial, 29 Sep. 2026 Some competing firewalls go wild with choices in their popup queries. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
But since March 2026, law enforcement queried him 55 times, a detail that is included in the lawsuit. — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026 Many in the audience, however, will query the point of it all. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • In the lead-up to the 2022 vote, Jair Bolsonaro repeatedly cast unfounded doubts on Brazil's electronic voting system.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The suspects are innocent unless proven guilty by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The event was held at the request of Epoch AI, an organization that benchmarks the progress of artificial intelligence systems.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • David Peck, Pourharton’s attorney, told the Town Plan and Zoning Commission that his client’s business has created no reason for rejecting the request, noting that GG hasn’t been the scene of arrests or police activity.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The apartment that people questioned spending money on is the same one that built her career.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Certainly there were clear taboos, beginning with questioning the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party and criticizing the country’s central leadership.
    — Howard W. French, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The statement, which named neither Hur nor anyone else, accepted that every film attracts harsh reviews along with praise, and asked who could draw an exact line between fair and excessive criticism.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Last month, Cate Blanchett, from the London stage of National Theatre’s Lyttelton Theatre after the curtain call of Electra/Persona, asked fans to put away their cellphones.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The alleged attacker was detained and interrogated by Saudi authorities.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The Omani suspect is being held and interrogated by Saudi authorities.
    — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Farley compared the concern to the skepticism that workers have historically shown toward time-and-motion studies.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Though the Senate bill, and an identical version in the house, is bipartisan, in conservative circles the idea is facing some skepticism.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Cassidy, who led the inquiry into Saphier's views on vaccines, ultimately voted in support of her nomination.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Even for Adnan’s biggest fans, the documentary beckons us toward further inquiry, her work a site of continuous discovery in language, both visual and written.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Williams leaped back inbounds to secure her own miss on a play initially ruled Dallas’ ball, but Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase successfully challenged the call.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The congressman challenged Newsom to a debate, proposing holding town halls and talking to voters about this issue.
    — Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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