query 1 of 2

Definition of querynext

query

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb query contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of query are ask, inquire, interrogate, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When might ask be a better fit than query?

In some situations, the words ask and query are roughly equivalent. However, ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When can inquire be used instead of query?

While in some cases nearly identical to query, 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

In what contexts can interrogate take the place of query?

The synonyms interrogate and query are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Where would question be a reasonable alternative to query?

The words question and query are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 query
Noun
Prosecutors also displayed the internet search history from Richins’ phone, which included queries about the lethal dose of fentanyl, luxury prisons and how poisoning is marked on a death certificate. Hannah Schoenbaum, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026 Methodology Dune, an official Kalshi partner, maintains a repository of historic prediction market data that can be broken down by betting categories, timeframes and other granular details using SQL code queries. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 13 May 2026
Verb
Search had a strong quarter with AI experiences driving usage, queries at an all time high, and 19% revenue growth. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2026 Why weren’t the gubernatorial candidates queried on that? John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for query
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • The election drubbing cemented doubts among many Labor lawmakers about Starmer’s judgment, vision and leadership ability — a brutal indictment on a leader who returned the party to power in July 2024 after 14 years in opposition.
    Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • When in doubt, turn to Dries Van Noten’s polka-dot-print pareo.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • All rooms feature wheelchair-accessible doors, lowered peepholes, light switches, and closet door handles; a roll-in shower or tub with grab bars; and teletypewriters and telecommunications devices available upon request.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
  • Judge Nicholas Garaufis must still approve the request.
    Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Residents at a homeowner association meeting in April questioned how an Iron Mountain data center crept into their backyard unnoticed.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
  • Americans are seriously questioning his handling of key issues, such as inflation, immigration, jobs and foreign affairs.
    Tatishe Nteta, Fortune, 16 May 2026
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
Verb
  • Employing a cast of non-professional locals, the film playfully interrogates the brutal but bungled occupation while also allowing its actors — many of whom are descendants of the fascists’ victims — to reinterpret and reclaim a chapter in their city’s past.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • Later, people tell me that the police interrogated her like a potential suspect—not harshly, just because of standard procedure.
    Akash Kapur, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • But midway through their first interview with Djena the agents’ skepticism began to wane.
    Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The decision to run it back has been met with considerable skepticism — and reasonably so.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • The state police, already examining alleged irregularities in city tax collections during Stewart’s administration, expanded the inquiry to include credit card use and the FBI also has opened an investigation, law enforcement sources said Thursday.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • And Szabo hired prominent Charlotte criminal defense attorney Tin to represent her in an inquiry by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
    Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), there is no residency requirement to file a lawsuit challenging a project’s environmental review.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • Bates also expressed concern that, under the Administration’s view of the case, its determination that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional cannot be challenged in court.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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