as in skeptical
inclined to doubt or question claims
a naturally questioning person, she demands rock-solid proof before she believes anything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in challenging
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
as in pondering
to give serious and careful thought to
question your motives before you file the lawsuit: do you really care about the trees, or are you just trying to harass the neighbors?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in doubting
to have no trust or confidence in
it was apparent that voters were questioning the President's ability to manage the economy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in asking
to put a question or questions to
the press should be allowed to question public officials about any matter of general interest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in interrogating
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
as in inquiry
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of questioning
Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
In fact, there is support for the idea that Gen Z is especially prone to a questioning attitude.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Leadership in the National Institute of Health questioning the use of mRNA vaccines (which include COVID vaccines).
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for questioning
Adjective
But despite my questioning — and my probe for some acknowledgement of Pilates’ inherent issues — West laughed me off.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
In fact, there is support for the idea that Gen Z is especially prone to a questioning attitude.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
The documentary, a small-town cyberbullying case that resulted in an FBI investigation, tells the topsy-turvy story in a way that leaves you questioning almost every person involved.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Leadership in the National Institute of Health questioning the use of mRNA vaccines (which include COVID vaccines).
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for questioning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for questioning
Adjective
-
Gurrola’s parents were skeptical at first, but the store’s Dubai chocolate strawberry cups have sold well.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The move, however, would need a constitutional amendment approved by 60 percent of voters—and some experts are skeptical of how the state's local governments would manage without property taxes.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Meeting these expectations has put real strain on automotive retail, challenging dealers to know when to rely on intelligent tools—and when to step in with human expertise.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Finally, Sperka reminds guests not to worry about challenging light conditions.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Revival Act has left some pondering what the endgame looks like for Zuffa.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Turns out Stephano was pondering beltmaking too, leading the two to partner on a new business venture creating small-batch leather pieces and metal accessories.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
There is no doubting how much Buddah trusts his human, and this moment was adorable proof of that.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
There is no doubting Rolfo’s pedigree, a two-time Champions League winner with Barcelona.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Thank you for asking about Pride Plays.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Don’t be surprised if people start asking you for your aesthetician’s phone number in two months.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
While occasional jealousy is natural, constant suspicion, interrogating whereabouts or pressuring the other person for explanations signals deeper trust issues.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
But the documentary jumps quickly between these stories without interrogating any of them in close detail.—
Hershal Pandya,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, analytical software has revolutionized linguistic inquiry, enabling greater understanding of the ways language works—when, how, and why words break out; the specific contexts for expressions and idioms.—
Stefan Fatsis,
The Atlantic,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The Federal Trade Commission has launched an inquiry into several social media and artificial intelligence companies about the potential harms to children and teenagers who use their AI chatbots as companions.—
Barbara Ortutay,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Robinson's parents became suspicious after seeing surveillance footage published by law enforcement.—
Joshua Rhett Miller
Jesus Mesa
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Mutch gained his freedom in 2016, avoiding legal trouble until last May, when a cybertip about suspicious downloads led Solano County Sheriff’s investigators to his home, according to court records.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Questioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/questioning. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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