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
Perspectives on secular politics were assessed through queries about separating religion from politics; Western-style governance; Islamic government; and sharia law. — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026 Apple’s system of servers is designed so that queries are not stored or made available to the company. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
But since March 2026, law enforcement queried him 55 times, a detail that is included in the lawsuit. — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026 Many in the audience, however, will query the point of it all. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Complicating things is the current Administration, which has mastered the art of using those message-delivery systems to spread doubt and discontent and suspicion.
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Beset with doubts and periods of blockage, Krasner had to find constantly ways to move on and pursue a trajectory that was all her own, all while facing Pollock’s larger-than-life.
    — John Yau, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The request, obtained by the Washington Examiner, came in a Wednesday letter from Mike Davis, founder and president of the Article III Project, a conservative legal advocacy group.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • It is held by an escrow agent, usually the title company or a broker, who is not permitted to hand it to either side on request.
    — Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • There is little public clarity around the individual voters whose registration is being contested or how the administration began to question their eligibility.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But Laura Zimmermann, Common Sense Media’s director of youth AI research, questioned the value of OpenAI’s statistics.
    — Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The defendants have asked Judge Amanda Brailsford to dismiss the lawsuit.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Those of us committed to public education should be asking whether public school families know these resources may be available to them.
    — Raymond C. Pierce, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In practice, that means juniors sitting in on meetings to watch colleagues interrogate the numbers, being present when real decisions get made, and gaining experience in different departments.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Lately, Skarsgård seems to be doing the same, gravitating toward roles that, at their core, interrogate the impact his looks have on other people.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Further down, The 7 covers a new poll showing Americans’ skepticism of AI.
    — Jamie Ross, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Targeting a smaller raise could protect a higher valuation, but might trigger skepticism over how the AI firm will fund its massive infrastructure needs in a volatile bond market.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Kotlikoff did not immediately respond Tuesday to an email inquiry about Jane Doe’s letter.
    — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The inquiry asked about the NBA’s role in the matter, possible discipline and whether the teams would be instructed to be present for the anthem before Wednesday’s Game 3.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Peltola, who represented Alaska's at-large district from 2022 to 2025, is challenging Sullivan, a two-term incumbent.
    — Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Uncertainty and change have always been challenging to handle, for some people more than others, said Michel Dugas, a psychology professor at the University of Québec in Outaouais.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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