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
Like the previous generation, the Galaxy Watch 9 will come with Google’s Gemini on board to respond to your voice queries. Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026 In other words, the department rescinded its directive only after Anthropic’s models were hobbled to the point that many benign queries now trigger the guardrails. João Marinotti, The Conversation, 21 July 2026
Verb
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 Instead, the metadata from that audio and images would be extracted and uploaded to the server for Meta’s AI to query, which proponents argue would have fewer privacy implications. Jay Peters, The Verge, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Several hospital executives, lawyers, and others have raised doubts about CPSC’s claimed authority.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Head coach LaFleur's leadership is under intense scrutiny as his record has worsened, raising doubts about the team's ability to rebound.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • Katrina Shadix, a 58-year-old anti-bear-hunt activist in the Orlando area, found out through a public-records request that the FWC accessed her DAVID information 17 times between 2023 and 2025.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • One of the tenant union’s requests was for the city to use the health department’s authority to make emergency repairs to the buildings and refrain from condemning the property.
    Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Even if the administration believes those problems warrant reform, legal experts question whether the OMB has the authority to impose this solution.
    Lisa Song, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Gallup's poll questioned 1,200 adults in telephone interviews from July 1 through 19.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • Phillips may no longer be the focus of the ethics inquiry, but he could still be asked to answer questions or supply documents as the committee determines if Collins violated any laws or rules.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • Angelo mourned his brother, who was just 14 when he was fatally shot by Colt, and asked the court to sentence Colt to life in prison without parole.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Instead of preparing for a business-school discussion by reading a case and waiting for class, students can interrogate a custom GPT loaded with the relevant materials.
    Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 23 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
  • Take me home to West Virginia Despite early skepticism that programs like Ascend West Virginia couldn't produce long-term gains, many have reported high retention rates and lasting economic benefits.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 24 July 2026
  • Within the real-estate industry, there was skepticism that Berman’s approach would work in other parts of the city.
    Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • According to the news site Gothamist, one early focus of its inquiry appears to be the company that MetroLoft used to install the building’s steel.
    Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
  • Neither Suarez nor EvoSkin responded to the Herald’s inquiries about whether the FDA had cleared Endo One.
    Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Three of the candidates are Democrats challenging the incumbent, a Republican.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • July 23 – August 22 A relationship may challenge you, but that does not mean your light needs to shrink.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on query

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster