QUESTION Synonyms: 270 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

question 1 of 2

noun

ˈkwes-chən

Definition of question next

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

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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as in objection

a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent that these measurements are accurate is beyond question

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as in topic

a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) it's a question of personal responsibility

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question

2 of 2

verb

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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as in to debate

to give serious and careful thought to question your motives before you file the lawsuit: do you really care about the trees, or are you just trying to harass the neighbors?

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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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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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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

At the center of these challenges is the question of whether the president's actions are directing federal agencies to violate a key standard established nearly 80 years ago in a law known as the Administrative Procedure Act. —

Christina Gatti, NPR, 8 Feb. 2025 In 2020, when the pandemic began, Elaine and Arthur hopped on a video call with another couple to ask each other their 36 questions. —

Sofía Sanchez, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025

Verb

False claim McConnell's late sister-in-law tied to Baltimore bridge collapse McConnell had a similar freezing episode several weeks later in Kentucky, prompting some lawmakers to question the senator’s fitness to fulfill his duties. —

Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025 Hanna questions Marion about this, as well as about the opening act that never took place. —

Isadora Wandermurem, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for question

Recent Examples of Synonyms for question

Noun

This has presented the astronomy community with a problem.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025
There is almost universal agreement on a diagnosis of the party’s problem with the working class.

— Shane Goldmacher, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025