QUERY Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

query 1 of 2

noun

ˈkwir-ē

Definition of query

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something readers will likely have a query or two about some of the more remarkable episodes in the memoir

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in request

an act or instance of asking for information please respond to my query at your earliest convenience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

query

2 of 2

verb

as in to question

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of it seems odd that someone would want two stoves, so you'd better query that order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to ask

to put a question or questions to queried the professor about the assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to interrogate

to put a series of questions to once the statement was given, the press secretary allowed reporters to query the President

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

In our testing, querying the AI about being alone with a person from other Western countries tended to produce a harmless result. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026 Now imagine that same agent, compromised or manipulated, querying every past-due invoice armed with full client details. — Morey Haber, Forbes.com, 20 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

Definition of doubt

Noun

The city did not immediately respond to ABC News' request on potential toxins first responders were exposed to in the aftermath or allegations by agencies at the time that the air was safe.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026
Biggs has put out an informal request on social media asking county residents to weigh in on the idea.

— Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of request

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

Definition of question

Verb

The parallels between what happened and is still happening in Gaza right now and what happened during World War II clearly are not lost on some of the Israeli men and women interrogated here, even if the scale and details are certainly different.

— Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Fielder and Oppenheim have created a fascinating portrait of a relationship, decimating notions of objectivity in documentary while also interrogating the limits of fiction.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of interrogate

Noun

Records suggest many died of diseases like tuberculosis or influenza, but Schindler said those assertions merit skepticism.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
Thus Irving manages to have his cake and eat it too, by insisting on the tale’s authenticity while asserting his own skepticism.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of skepticism

Noun

Each case becomes a moral inquiry into memory, guilt and dignity, while Porto itself emerges as a character.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
Each room comes with butler service, and activity inquiries and changes were seamless with the knowledgeable front desk team.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of inquiry

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

Definition of challenge

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“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of query

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verb

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