question 1 of 2

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

2 of 2

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

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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

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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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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
Meghan Markle’s new show With Love is finally available on Netflix, and as always with the Duchess of Sussex, people have questions. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 4 Mar. 2025 Billboard staffers answer these questions and more below. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
Disillusioned with subjective, surface-level modes of art-making, Gaines began to question his purpose. Meka Boyle, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025 Despite the trifecta, Trump is pushing an expansive view of executive power that questions the role of Congress and the courts to serve as a check over federal agencies. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for question
Recent Examples of Synonyms for question
Noun
  • Ben Edwards, Global Marketing Leader: Specialized is all about innovation, about solving problems for riders.
    William Roberson, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The control problem: A barrier to real-world use Think about it — a highly advanced prosthetic hand is only as good as the user's ability to control it.
    Kurt Knutsson, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Representatives for Musk did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Tesla did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.
    Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Multiple speakers were also allowed to accuse Israel of carrying out a genocide, also with no objection from Lauber.
    Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • His nomination to become the nation’s 26th Health and Human Services Secretary was met with considerable objection from the medical community.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Last season, five conference teams made the field, something that became a big topic of conversation.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Many have struggled with the ethical conundrum and the whole mind-bending shenanigan is undoubtedly going to remain a morally thorny topic for eons to come.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Homer Township Reset slate, a group of Republicans challenging the incumbent township administration, was leading by a large margin Tuesday night in the Homer Township Republican primary after all precincts reported, according to unofficial results.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The big picture: Power outages are just one risk that's rising with the changing climate and challenging traditional insurance companies.
    Katie Fehrenbacher, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Think pop-up shops, spice blending, and casually debating the best way to season a brisket.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The science on transgender procedures, including hormone replacement and surgery, is hotly debated.
    Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But prosecutors doubted Carlson’s more modest intentions.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon, who has helped architect some of the biggest NHL trades in recent memory, doubts his Vegas Golden Knights will make a big splash in the next week.
    Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • How can Ukraine be assured that Russian President Vladimir Putin would abide by any ceasefire deal – and not resume fighting in a year or two, Zelensky asks.
    Tim Lister, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
  • At that point, Bumgardner asks to take a breathalyzer.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Question.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/question. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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