QUERY Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

query 1 of 2

noun

ˈkwir-ē

Definition of query

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something readers will likely have a query or two about some of the more remarkable episodes in the memoir

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in request

an act or instance of asking for information please respond to my query at your earliest convenience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

query

2 of 2

verb

as in to question

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of it seems odd that someone would want two stoves, so you'd better query that order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to ask

to put a question or questions to queried the professor about the assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to interrogate

to put a series of questions to once the statement was given, the press secretary allowed reporters to query the President

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

For example, in 2025, IBM replaced hundreds of traditional HR roles with autonomous AI agents that automated 94% of routine administrative queries. — Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The RealReal and eBay are already experiencing an uptick in vintage Prada skirt queries for those who wish to recreate the runway magic. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Verb

To get this to work, the system had to take the syndrome data obtained from querying the measurement qubits and figure out the nature of any errors that were detected. — ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026 Brands were given the opportunity to confirm or query the biggest size found; otherwise, the initial findings were used. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query

Recent Examples of Synonyms for query

Noun

There will without a doubt be moments and instances when an injury will create challenges, like Sunday’s absence of Kaydn Proctor, who is sidelined with a concussion this week, and replaced by Jarrett Kingston.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026
The eighteen-meter-tall brick curve that encases the altar has a tremendous body, nearly ominous in its presence, that imparts an intuitive understanding—even amid the doubt—that what provides shelter necessarily does so through strength.

— Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of doubt

Verb

Prosecutors said the 33-year-old suspect, a German citizen who has ties to the Berchtesgaden area but doesn't currently live there, was questioned.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
A number of protesters were also taken in for questioning and not allowed to join planned marches, according to local media.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Verb

In the present, Matthew mounts his own investigation into the crime that tore his life apart, confronting old friends, revisiting broken relationships and interrogating the people who built the case against him.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026
This self-interrogating method makes for a nervy, difficult style.

— Langdon Hammer, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of interrogate

Noun

The measles outbreak is prompting many to accept the shots while reinforcing vaccine skepticism in others.

— Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Singer minimized that position, arguing that Moskowitz would be unable to counter increasing skepticism among many other Democrats over the government’s conduct of the war in Gaza.

— Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of skepticism

Noun

Black asserts that the statements made by Garcia are false and that traveling to appear on national television to make such statements about the inquiry into Epstein’s crimes goes beyond the purview of a member of Congress.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026
But when Congress asked questions, the company ignored our inquiries and refused invitations to testify.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of inquiry

Verb

During the state elections in 1967, Jagdish Master, a teacher turned activist, challenged the veto of the landlords over Dalit suffrage by escorting a group of Dalits to a polling booth in Ekwari, a village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district.

— Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
The ban passed in April 2025 and is being challenged by a group of educators, students, parents and activists who say the law violates their 1st and 14th Amendment rights.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of challenge

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Style

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of query

noun

verb

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