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
Some of Auni’s functions—such as reading sales statements, analyzing data, and visualizing results—can happen offline on low-cost phones, without making cloud queries. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Nov. 2026 Retailers have spent years learning about their customers through search queries, clicks, and browsing behavior. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
To get this to work, the system had to take the syndrome data obtained from querying the measurement qubits and figure out the nature of any errors that were detected. — ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026 Brands were given the opportunity to confirm or query the biggest size found; otherwise, the initial findings were used. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Gabi is much younger in his experience but without doubt can deliver.
    — Morgan Korn, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Yet Saudi analysts have accelerated calls for a diversification of military supply chains and even nuclear energy endeavors amid doubts toward Washington's security commitments.
    — Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Eco effort There is little to no single-use plastic at the resort, with the shampoo and conditioner bottled in ceramic jugs of blue and white, and washing is done only upon request by placing a pinecone on your bed.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The email said Democratic House members and staffers would receive the firm’s request for responses to a confidential survey and some would later be asked to schedule in-person or virtual interviews with someone from the firm.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • But innovation does not come from a system that effectively discourages questioning.
    — Washington Post, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The Iran war explains part of that, but investors also question a government and Congress with no plan to back the debt with future surpluses.
    — Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Why such clueless animosity toward people whose only crime was doing what the nation asked of them?
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The president did so again on Sunday night, both when asked about the post by a reporter in person and in a separate 60 Minutes interview filmed Friday morning.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 9 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The brands poised for success are those that are actively interrogating their catalog’s purpose, data structure and defensive posture against AI intermediaries.
    — Zohar Gilad, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
  • But slathering on credits unthinkingly feels lazy and also something on which progressives might want to interrogate their own policy preferences.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • While Board members expressed support for continued efforts to fine tune the proposal in question, many for the first time indicated skepticism over the financials presented.
    — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Their skepticism and dissatisfaction, however, appear to have fallen most heavily upon the majority party governing from Washington.
    — Robert T.F. Downes, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is overseeing the inquiry.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The situation escalated Monday after Woodward filed a motion stating communications with local prosecutors about the Broadview case are privileged and off-limits to Perry’s ongoing inquiry.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Some young Catholics involved in local church groups hoped the sight of a pope drawing crowds would challenge Uruguay's image as a country indifferent to religion.
    — ISABEL DEBRE, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In a new study, researchers at the University of Ottawa have proposed this unconventional picture, which challenges some of modern physics’ biggest assumptions.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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