query 1 of 2

query

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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
Someone with a question could walk to the Stocks Market, in the heart of London, and deposit a letter at Smith’s Coffeehouse, where the Athenians met to collect queries and discuss which ones to answer. Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 But perhaps the most telling moment came when panelists addressed the persistent question of work-life balance – a query, as Andrew Liang noted, rarely posed to male filmmakers. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 June 2025
Verb
Garvie did not hold back at the Deloitte Conference this morning when queried over the future in-house biz, which is currently seeking a boss. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 June 2025 So, how could off-the-shelf AI possibly live up to expectations when every organization operates differently? Conversational Interfaces The first wave of enterprise AI suggested conversational interfaces are the answer: chatbots and assistants that employees could query directly. Eilon Reshef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • There is no doubt that the strike will be recorded as one of the most successful strategic bombing operations in history.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • There's no doubt whoever comes out of this liberal rat race will be sent packing when Iowans re-elect America First fighter Mariannette Miller-Meeks next fall.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Burrow dialed in Outside of the ongoing Trey Hendrickson saga, all of Joe Burrow’s public requests of the front office have now been met.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • In 1945, the U.S. State Department looked to commission a Spanish version of the national anthem, per the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who looked to strengthen political and business partnerships with Latin American countries amid World War II.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Skeptics will point to his physical issues and question his fit outside the Warriors’ unique system.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • But an analysis of new data from Hubble and the European Space Agency’s Gaia Space Telescope has caused researchers to question that time frame.
    Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • This jazzy riff on humanity and the hereafter brings a cartoon New York City to vibrant, diverse life with Pixar's first Black lead character, a band teacher (played by Jamie Foxx) who meets a jaded soul (Tina Fey), and asks big questions about the meaning of life.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 June 2025
  • Hostin asked on Friday's show, after co-host Joy Behar prompted her to tell their co-hosts that day, including Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro, what had happened.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • The exercise of writing is to think about your own thinking, to put ideas into form and interrogate them.
    Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • During his imprisonment, security agents beat and bit him, interrogated him with a bag over his head and shocked him with electricity, according to media reports.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Tesla’s history of hype and overpromising with FSD is legendary, increasing the validity of skepticism.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Trump’s reelection dashed the view that his first presidency was a mere aberration, and his second administration’s early, seismic actions on global trade, skepticism toward allies, and affection for erstwhile adversaries have already changed the United States’ role and image in the world.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • My firm offers a mobile legal helpline staffed by pro bono attorneys who can take client inquiries regardless of where they are physically located.
    Jeffrey D. Harvey, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
  • In the end, the committee will determine whether to initiate a cancer inquiry investigation.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Telling their kids to take a course load that was too rigorous Students should absolutely challenge themselves.
    Theo Wolf, CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • Whether Congress can successfully challenge Trump’s unilateral show of military force — something it is technically obliged to do under the Constitution — remains to be seen.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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