question 1 of 2

Definition of questionnext
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

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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
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question

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Attorney George Silva, who represents Carrasco, said the findings raise troubling questions. Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 11 June 2026 Fried issued her statement to the Herald in response to questions about frustrations with the party’s silence on Wasserman Schultz’s run. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Verb
Augustin did not speak to reporters, but his attorney, Mario Delcy, said the meeting with the judge went well and that Augustin would be available whenever authorities need to question him. ABC News, 29 June 2026 The Group of Seven (G7) has been a forum to coordinate global policy for more than 50 years, but experts are increasingly questioning the group’s relevance. Cfr Editors, NBC news, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for question
Recent Examples of Synonyms for question
Noun
  • Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The pool did not open Saturday with the city's other outdoor pools after mechanical problems delayed the start of the season for the second consecutive year.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The Interior Department did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request when asked on Friday if the panels will be replaced by the July 4 holiday this weekend.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • This change was implemented at the request of the state's board of education.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • For individuals 18 and older, courts generally must approve a qualifying name change within six weeks without holding a hearing or allowing formal objections.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Much of the objection to using the term comes from Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefires.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • While the slate of laws was passed, several lawmakers have signaled that more bills will be introduced on the topic in the next session, which starts in January 2027.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Type a topic into the input field, and the platform spins up a structured presentation with smart layouts, professional copy, and visuals across every slide.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Are the needs of another challenging your emotional state?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer came out of the net to go for the ball, as a Ecuadorian player challenged the net.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Georgia’s most influential dishes could be debated vigorously, but there’s no question that food has been an integral part of the South’s culture.
    Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
  • The other was Michael Longfellow’s sketch about a guy dying at the top of a waterslide and debating whether he should be pushed down the slide or carried down the stairs, which was the only thing Bargatze kept talking about all week.
    Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • With her tight security, especially after the wedding, Lawrence doubts the public would even know if the couple was throwing their first Fourth of July bash as husband and wife in Rhode Island.
    Bella DeCrescenzo, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Because of South Florida's isolation, Carr doubts news of the Declaration of Independence reached the area's small population.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Denver’s brass was asked about those comments on Wednesday, and Wallace responded by sharing some thoughts on the team’s internal and external goals.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • The firms asked the judge to dismiss the case Wednesday, arguing Uber had failed to prove fraud.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Question.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/question. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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