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
Thanks for all the great queries, which, as usual, have been slightly modified for length and clarity. Matt Barrows, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The government had not yet responded to queries by the time of publication. Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
The Elk Grove Police Department is reviewing an audit showing outside law enforcement agencies queried the city’s license plate data more than 8 million times. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Argus also provides automated assessments intended to measure mission outcomes and includes Argus Chat, which allows analysts to query data using natural language. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Eliminate all doubt and all potential for committing a violation by using a side-by-side or over/under double barrel.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Still, there was a cloud of public doubt lingering over the event.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The White House did not respond to a request for comment on her criticism of the president or his team.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Leclerc was fifth and 87 points down Ahead of Monza, some observers were already questioning whether Ferrari should start prioritizing its lead driver to mount a championship challenge.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In another critical post on X, the comedian questioned Sheeran’s decision to bring Macklemore on as an opening act.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Explain what matters to you, then ask the other person to do the same.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Boone did not rule out that possibility when asked before Sunday’s game.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That gave me the ability to go back and interrogate the data for myself, starting from a blank‑slate posture known as beginner’s mind.
    Alec Litowitz, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026
  • London’s Serpentine gallery is now inviting artists to interrogate these questions.
    Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Lawmakers in both parties agree more guardrails are needed, but even narrow attempts at regulation have fallen apart and a certain skepticism has set in.
    STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Some analysts voiced skepticism about the risk of a societal-scale attack carried out by AI, however, noting that such warnings typically come in the form of vague hypotheticals.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That leaves us with an inquiry into who benefits from its disclosure.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Does a warmer tone work better for one type of inquiry but slow down a straightforward transactional call?
    Pete Hanlon, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Many higher-income countries, though challenged by the disruption, have cushioned the blow by tapping strategic reserves or using their financial and political clout to secure emergency supplies.
    Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Beijing has controlled the area since 2012, while Manila continues to challenge China’s claims through maritime and aerial patrols.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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