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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Nevertheless, expect questions about consumer spending, delinquency rates, and credit-loss provisions to feature prominently in management’s call with investors. Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025 That’s the burning question the Boston rep is now facing, probably daily. Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
Officials at the bank questioned the source of the funds going into three accounts, according to the FBI. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 2025 That gives designers room to question, to refine, to evolve. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for question
Recent Examples of Synonyms for question
Noun
  • But the problem with that method, Beach said, is that once families are residing in a hotel, they can no longer be verified as homeless by Cincinnati Behavioral and can’t get on the wait list for shelter.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, at that point, Jack is ready to create problems for other departments.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Allied officials did not respond to an interview request.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • San Bernardino County Sheriff Haro’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Even so, many artists choose to make such objections public so that a general audience is aware of their stance.
    Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Cranston was not alone in his objections about Sora 2.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Judging by his big grin, though, the best topic was saved till last when asked to describe Estevao’s display.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The surging price of gold is boosting some developing economies, challenging the US dollar’s hegemony — and changing jewelry designs.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Changes to the regulatory framework and fleet incentives further challenged the business, Barra also said.
    Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though their claims were the basis of the Amityville Horror franchise, the validity of the Lutzs' story has been heavily debated over the years.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The commissioners debated this issue as well.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Former agency employees doubted the administration’s claim that some dismissals were caused by coding errors.
    Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
  • They’ve been doubted every year.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When asked whether the store will be back next year, Simonson said the company will evaluate changes to the property as needed.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • During his first Zoom consultation with clients, Perri always asked them to share their story.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Question.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/question. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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