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query

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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

Examples 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
Google accounts for more than 90% of all general search queries in the U.K., and more than 200,000 advertisers in the country use the firm’s search advertising tools, according to the CMA. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025 Supporting characters are barely more than caricatures, leaving viewers with unsettling queries instead of finite answers. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
Non-technical roles like product managers, executives and business analysts could directly query and analyze system behavior, performance and reliability using conversational AI/ML assistants. Tom Wilkie, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Also key is its app, which queried me about my regular sleep habits and upcoming flights before producing a schedule that told me when to take which pill, when to eat and drink, when to sleep, and when to wear the glasses. Tim Neville, Outside Online, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for query 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • While there have already been glimpses of this in the past with former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and Joe Hendry, there's no doubt fans will see more of this, especially heading into the Royal Rumble.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • In addition, conservative thought leaders — including those behind the Project 2025 playbook — have been contemplating Trump’s return for years, and have no doubt been helping Trump craft orders that are less vulnerable to legal challenges, the experts said.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In a separate filing yesterday in New York, Drake’s attorney submitted a letter endorsing UMG’s request for an extension of time to respond to his complaint.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Here’s a request: write down your answer before reading ahead.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Williams’ health struggles first came to light in 2017, when a fainting spell in the middle of a live broadcast caused many to begin questioning her health.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Senate Committees are set to question six of Donald Trump’s top appointees over their priorities and positions on issues of war, spycraft, electric cars and more.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • During the news conference, several people described how the fires had affected their families and asked public officials to hold oil companies to account.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Ahead of the Board of Education approving the deficit reduction plan in January 2025, the administration held three community meetings to get feedback from parents and community members asking them what was most important to them.
    Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Orange County Public Schools said in a memo that administrators can't prevent immigration officers from showing up to interrogate or arrest students, per the Orlando Sentinel.
    Yacob Reyes, Axios, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Breaking the rules sent Peter behind bars where he was interrogated before given a second chance by his boss Catherine to become a double agent, just like his traitor father.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This meteoric rise has sparked debates, excitement, and skepticism across the crypto ecosystem.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Trump's nominee for Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, suggested peace negotiations could happen within 100 days, but skepticism remains high among European allies.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Spokespeople for Virginia, Virginia Tech, VCU and Old Dominion either declined comment or did not respond to email inquiries.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Michael Washburn, Florida Department of Transportation spokesman, said he’s gotten inquiries about the shirts from a bowling team, veterans groups, national radio shows, and a British newspaper.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The order directs the Bureau of Prisons to halt the use of federal dollars for gender-affirming care, something several incarcerated trans people have successfully challenged in court.
    Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Our outside hires have been integral in building a mindset that challenges conventional approaches, applies fresh thinking, and strives for growth and innovation beyond industry norms.
    Darpan Munjal, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near query

Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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