INTERROGATE Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'interrogate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interrogate are ask , inquire , query , and question . While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning. // the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Q: When could 'ask' be used to replace 'interrogate'?

The words ask and interrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ask implies no more than the putting of a question. // ask for directions

Q: When is 'inquire' a more appropriate choice than 'interrogate'?

The synonyms inquire and interrogate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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: When might 'query' be a better fit than 'interrogate'?

Although the words query and interrogate have much in common, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation. // queried a librarian about the book

Q: When can 'question' be used instead of 'interrogate'?

The words question and interrogate can be used in similar contexts, but question usually suggests the asking of series of questions. // questioned them about every detail of the trip

interrogate

verb

in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt

Definition of interrogate next

as in to ask

to put a question or questions to interrogated him about where he'd gone the night before

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to examine

to put a series of questions to police interrogated the murder suspect for hours on end

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb interrogate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interrogate are ask, inquire, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When could ask be used to replace interrogate?

The words ask and interrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When is inquire a more appropriate choice than interrogate?

The synonyms inquire and interrogate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 might query be a better fit than interrogate?

Although the words query and interrogate have much in common, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When can question be used instead of interrogate?

The words question and interrogate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 interrogate Goldman advises hyperscalers, underwrites chip company offerings, and sits at the table with the companies building the very infrastructure Covello was interrogating. —

Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026 Also of note, when Vader interrogates Leia on the Death Star, this would be a perfect time to use the force. —

Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 4 May 2026 On its improbable third album since reuniting in 2014 after a 14-year hiatus, American Football isn’t interested in reclaiming youth so much as interrogating what came after it. —

Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 May 2026 Higgins was tortured, interrogated and then was murdered. —

CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interrogate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrogate

Verb

On the topic of arresting homeless people, moderators asked how Bianco's sheriff's office has been known to do.

— James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Patients were concerned too, and some asked Hulse what would happen to the new clinic after her team left.

— Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026

Definition of ask

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interring

interrogate

interrogated

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“Interrogate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interrogate. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of interrogate

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