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
Most customer queries were fairly basic or about existing orders—prime targets for automation. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 30 July 2026 On Tuesday, before Beutner’s letter went out, Muratsuchi, in response to a query from The Times, described the new bill as a good-faith effort to make the new arts funding more accessible. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Verb
The poll queried 1,006 respondents across several age groups about their medical habits. Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 The running version of it is a knowledge graph, which is the live network of entities and relationships an agent actually queries. Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Early today, the Pisces Moon may stir private doubts or behind-the-scenes frustration as Venus highlights work and wellness .
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That expectation accurately reflects concerns that various justices have expressed about these laws, and their decision to finally take up the issue suggests those doubts run deep.
    Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The public information request process dragged on for several months.
    Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The district did not immediately respond to The Bee’s request for comment.
    Chaewon Chung Updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • He was detained, questioned and later released by authorities that same day.
    Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Gualtieri said the property tax ballot amendment is not the proposal that DeSantis first floated to voters and questioned why there were no protections for public safety funding.
    Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Upon being asked to bend the knee, Aegon delivers a fiery speech asserting his magnificence.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Reservations are limited and often book up before guests arrive, so ask the concierge to secure a table as soon as your stay is confirmed.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The analyst’s value has shifted from extracting data to interrogating what the system surfaces.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • To that end, 14th attempts to interrogate a promise powerful enough to change a nation — and controversial enough to divide it for more than 150 years.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Mediators have been trying to negotiate with Hamas for months on implementing the plan, but there is skepticism in the region that Hamas will hold up its end of the bargain.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Mark Zuckerberg’s fortune fell by nearly $16 billion Thursday as Wall Street skepticism of the Facebook parent’s AI spending caused its stock to plunge.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Kansas City and Independence’s health departments have not responded to inquiries as of Wednesday.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
  • Each year, the department faces lawsuits cataloging records inquiries that the LAPD failed to respond to by the 10-day or 24-day deadline.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Iran’s proxies in the region, the Houthis, have since blockaded another strait – the Bab-al-Mandeb – challenging Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through that alternate route.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The cornerback room shows significant improvement with free agent Benjamin St-Juste and rookie Brandon Cisse impressing, challenging Carrington Valentine and potentially boosting a unit that struggled last season.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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