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
  • The injury casts doubt on her availability for Wimbledon.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Affinity Gaming declined multiple requests from The Times to speak about Primm’s struggles.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • The judge, who is presiding at the trial in the 296th District Court in Collin County, denied a defense request for the jury to be permitted to consider criminally negligent homicide, but jurors were instructed to consider manslaughter, a reckless killing.
    Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump frequently questioned Joe Biden's fitness.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 7 June 2026
  • Some questioned how handing out reprints of an editorial published in the ADA’s own journal, at the ADA’s own annual conference, could be construed as a violation of that code.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026
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
  • This isn’t See’s first time digging through archives to interrogate the truth of the place where her great-grandparents Fong See and Letticie Pruett settled in 1897.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • The scene moves inside the shadowy building, where Nero and Rocco interrogate a fellow feline about missing tuna.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Even with widespread skepticism and disregard for health protocols, many in the town are becoming aware of the outbreak's grave reality.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 June 2026
  • There also has been widespread skepticism regarding the disease, making the job of medical treatment more difficult for Lokudu and his colleagues, and some of the health workers and first responders have died of the disease.
    Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The investigation is led by prosecutor Paolo Storari, who also has spearheaded inquiries into sweatshops supplying luxury brands.
    Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Brown challenged Maye heading into Thursday’s minicamp practice, the Patriots’ final session before their six-week break until training camp, to be perfect.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
  • The justices also challenged the state’s other evidence, testimony from one of Adam Montgomery’s friends.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 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 14 Jun. 2026.

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