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
If your query calls for it, Search will create a custom app to help you with the problem. ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026 The traditional Google Search users are familiar with − a list of blue links from a search query − will remain available with minor updates to AI Overview, a Google statement obtained by USA TODAY said. Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Verb
On Thursday, the denim giant introduced conversational analytics, a new capability that allows employees to query the company’s data in their common language and receive secure, accurate and immediate answers. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 One such template application involves encrypted semantic search, which queries databases or datasets and returns relevant results based on the context or meaning of the search terms rather than keywords that match them. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Nerves, doubt, and hesitation are normal and expected at this point in the process.
    Jonathan Carone, Parents, 28 May 2026
  • Throughout the nearly four-week trial, defense attorneys have contended that the government cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that their clients intended to join a criminal racketeering conspiracy.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • We were whisked around in golf carts, engaged in happy banter at the bar and felt accommodated when last-minute changes or requests arose.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
  • Mayor Michelle Wu’s office did not respond to a request for comment on how the city plans to spend the grant funding.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Even Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy questioned the idea.
    Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
  • While he was diagnosed with retrograde amnesia, which causes someone to lose memories before an event such as a brain injury, trauma or illness, Shannon’s husband, Eric Evangelista, began to question his diagnosis.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • Researchers asked where knives were kept, how to light matches, what kinks are.
    Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • This source of damage is easily avoided by purchasing manure and hay from a reputable source and asking if the source material was treated with aminopyralid.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The resource officer allegedly interrogated CFR without a parent present, violating his rights, the suit says.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026
  • Finally, interrogate your own expectations.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Massie, who is Libertarian-leaning, seemed to nod at his divergence from the Republican Party on the war, going as far as using some of his colleagues’ skepticism of reports of the deal’s terms as a litmus test for his support of it.
    Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
  • Fiebig, who is nonbinary and identifies as they, took Miller up on the offer, with more than a hint of skepticism.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Her hyperfocus on the leaf raises questions that extend far beyond the kitchen, inviting an inquiry into the banana plant’s movement across geographies and its role in sustaining cultural traditions.
    Sophia Rey, JSTOR Daily, 28 May 2026
  • Todd Becker, senior trial attorney at the Becker Law Group, said his firm had already received inquiries from more than 200 people impacted by the evacuation order, including many business owners looking to recoup lost income.
    Victoria Le, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Between 48 percent off platform sandals that feel just as cushioned as sneakers, to 60 percent off flexible, low-profile sneakers that’ll never challenge an overpacked suitcase, any of the shoes below will carry you through your summer outings in style.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
  • Despite their great start, their opponents challenged them in different ways; opponents, including Chicopee, Winchester, O’Bryant, and Quincy, who all had strong serves, attacks and defense.
    Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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