question 1 of 2

1
as in problem
an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge because I have missed so many classes, I had a hard time answering every question on today's surprise quiz

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in request
an act or instance of asking for information after reading the brief statement to the reporters, the lawyer ended the press conference by saying, "No more questions, please" the dozens of questions researched by the reference librarians

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

question

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to challenge
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of the teenager openly questioned the authority of the town's police force to impose a curfew on residents under the age of 18

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to doubt
to have no trust or confidence in it was apparent that voters were questioning the President's ability to manage the economy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to ask
to put a question or questions to the press should be allowed to question public officials about any matter of general interest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in to examine
to put a series of questions to the police questioned the suspect before deciding that there was insufficient evidence to hold him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb question contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of question are ask, inquire, interrogate, and query. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

When can ask be used instead of question?

Although the words ask and question have much in common, ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

In what contexts can inquire take the place of question?

While in some cases nearly identical to question, 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

When could interrogate be used to replace question?

The meanings of interrogate and question largely overlap; however, interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When would query be a good substitute for question?

In some situations, the words query and question are roughly equivalent. However, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

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 question
Noun
The real question everyone should be asking themselves is who will be the first to romance Mercer’s character? Dana Reboe, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025 The questions ask for feedback on the purpose, feel, look and identity of the area as well questions on getting to and around in the district and questions on building height. Jake Allen, IndyStar, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
Unidentified, the latest from Saudi Arabian director Haifaa Al Mansour (Wadjda), an iconoclastic crime thriller that questions our collective fascination with tales of femicide. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025 On May 19, Trump questioned whether Harris paid Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé and Oprah, a few of the big names who stumped for Harris in her presidential campaign. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for question
Recent Examples of Synonyms for question
Noun
  • Roblox stock is down 9% this past week alone in the wake of all this, and now, it’s just issued a bunch of new safety updates trying to prune some of the problems away.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Even low levels of drinking can lead to certain cancers and heart problems, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Poll results were released Aug. 13.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The State Department did not respond to a request for comment.
    The New York Times, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Fan Fest is also the only event listed by name in a breakdown of county requirements in a pending contract with the host committee governing how the $21 million cash contribution will be spent, which the Herald also obtained through a records request to Miami-Dade.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • At this stage, the United States has spent plenty for Ukraine’s sovereignty — often over the objections of Trump himself, but the expenditures have been made.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Despite that finding and Clapp’s objections, council members are still moving forward with the plan.
    Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These are similar to the topics the Biden-era FAA was looking at last year.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The event focused on a topic that almost every parent needs guidance on—creating healthy digital wellness habits and mindful phone use.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • At least two lawsuits have been filed challenging this law.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The sport challenges participants’ ability to problem solve and navigate outdoor challenges, all against the clock.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ohio lawmakers debated everything from home grow restrictions to penalizing passengers who smoke in the car.
    Haley BeMiller, The Enquirer, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Then, ensuring they are heard, considered, debated, and brought into solutions.
    Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But Marsh doubted how that experience would translate to full-time point guard duties.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
  • But at no time did the always upbeat Harris doubt his team and heading into the 2025 season, there appears to be plenty of reason for optimism despite the graduation of 23 seniors, including his quarterback, Ty Hurst.
    Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • During an appearance on the Thursday, Aug. 7, edition of 360 With Speedy, the actor was asked to share a story about the singer.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • During talent reviews, ask: who developed across the business this year?
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Question.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/question. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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