Definition of catechizenext
1
as in to ask
to put a question or questions to her roommates catechized her about every detail of her first day at her new job

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2
as in to interrogate
to put a series of questions to applicants are rigorously catechized by the seminary's rector regarding their motives for joining the priesthood

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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 catechize Priests could not catechize children, bring the sacraments to the sick, or do pastoral work outside the local churchyard. George Weigel, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catechize
Verb
  • Ali, who wasn’t formally charged, called his family to say that he would be released on bail, and asked them to gather the funds and collect him from prison.
    Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The Manteca Fire Department is taking action and trying to get ahead of this fire season by asking residents to reduce fire danger or face fines.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • John Shaban, a former three-term Republican state representative from Redding, was interrogated about the recent administrative suspension of his law license in New York and, before that, his being charged with disorderly conduct after an argument with his girlfriend.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026
  • One of the most grimly funniest moments of the movie sees Tereza interrogate the boat driver about that wedding ring on his finger.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Still, some critics have questioned the role of law enforcement on school campuses, particularly in secondary schools, raising concerns that such programs can feel more like surveillance than support.
    Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The hidden cost of going back to school Students are increasingly questioning the value proposition of higher education.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Another, by the Agency for Health Care Administration, examined whether the Flagami house where Rabell lived was an unlicensed elder care facility.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Syria policy and sanctions questions The report also examines Turkey’s role in Syria, where the country backed opposition forces during the civil war, supporting a range of armed factions, including groups that later formed the Syrian National Army.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Catechize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catechize. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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