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
Researchers have found that data from Connecticut has been accessed by authorities in states as far away as Georgia, Florida and Texas, and that immigration enforcement was among the reasons given for the queries. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026 Nvidia's Vera Rubin system combines CPUs designed for data movement and workload orchestration with GPUs built for query-response processing. Sean Conlon,hugh Leask,justina Lee,sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
This is more than a lack of transparency; the Pentagon is taking away the ability to query actual human beings, instead redirecting journalists to an online source that is itself an obstacle to getting timely and accurate facts. Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026 While the oversight board posed questions in English, the university researchers queried chatbots in different languages. Didi Tang, Fortune, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Therefore, Tunick remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Since the State could not disprove the justification defense beyond a reasonable doubt, the evidence resulted in the decision that no criminal charges would be filed against the fast-food employees.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Representatives for Britney, Jamie, and Lynne Spears did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly’s request for comment.
    Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This data empowers stronger salary negotiations, enabling employees to support their requests with market evidence and demonstrated impact.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The attorney also said Acevedo Sanchez was not questioned until he was taken to an ICE holding facility in downtown Baltimore.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Nvidia's effort challenges that assumption, transforming AI compute capacity into long-term, bankable infrastructure, though skeptics may question whether AI chips can retain their value as newer generations emerge.
    Hugh Son, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In their final days together, Alexander said Beloozerov asked him to go to his office and return his laptop and security cards for him.
    Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Helaena asks Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon’s third-season finale.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To interrogate Fauci now, for absolutely no coherent reason and completely without sense, is shameful and disgusting.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Recognizing those forces in the world isn’t the same thing as interrogating them, and as a seasoned artist with real power in Hollywood, Gluck repeatedly mistakes implication for insight.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • When employees are unsure whether a communication is genuinely human or synthetically generated, skepticism naturally rises.
    Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The barrier islands have a history of powerful currents and drowning deaths — but the Wells’ family lawyer, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, voiced skepticism on the notion that the teenager may have drowned.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • He was charged in December after the Army Criminal Investigation Division opened an inquiry in October following a complaint from a patient at Fort Hood.
    Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Minnesota authorities began criminal inquiries after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, having to fight the federal government to secure the relevant evidence.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This approach challenges traditional Vegas retail by blending fashion, food, and hospitality into a natural flow, appealing to time-poor, cash-rich travelers seeking discovery.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Binface never breaks character and delivers snarky ripostes when challenged to lift the lid.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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