as in skeptical
inclined to doubt or question claims
a naturally questioning person, she demands rock-solid proof before she believes anything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in inquiry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in challenging
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
as in pondering
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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in doubting
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 asking
to put a question or questions to
the press should be allowed to question public officials about any matter of general interest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in interrogating
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of questioning
Graham Kates, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2025
During cross-examination, Whitfield, who had been recalled after not being sworn in during his testimony on Thursday, said his mother did most of the talking during his questioning.
—Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Dec. 2024
Many families are prioritizing financial stability over the prestige of a brand-name college, questioning whether the investment in a traditional college education is always the right choice.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for questioning
Noun
Habba's work during the trial also included perhaps the most important cross-examination of her career: a withering, hours-long questioning of Mr. Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2025
During cross-examination, Whitfield, who had been recalled after not being sworn in during his testimony on Thursday, said his mother did most of the talking during his questioning.
—Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
Police later arrested the man and are questioning him.
—Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Dec. 2024
Many families are prioritizing financial stability over the prestige of a brand-name college, questioning whether the investment in a traditional college education is always the right choice.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for questioning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for questioning
Adjective
-
But many scientists were skeptical whether the technique would pay off.—
Shi En Kim,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 Apr. 2025
-
However, many remain skeptical that any real clarity is coming anytime soon.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In late 2023, Lago filed a defamation lawsuit against the Spanish-language radio station Actualidad for a segment about an ethics inquiry.—
Tess Riski,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2025
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When researchers across disciplines rely on the same AI systems for experimental design, the diversity of scientific inquiry—a cornerstone of innovation—could diminish.—
Josipa Majic Predin,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Biden even considered challenging Carter for the Democratic nomination in 1980.—
Susan Page,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
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And don’t overlook the impact that challenging engineering and construction conditions can have on your calculations.—
Katherine Latham,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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School Board members are now pondering the idea of asking voters for another bond in the future.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Dec. 2024
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There may be some benefit from these policies, but business leaders pondering their 2025 plans will want to focus on their own labor needs.—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Hope this helps anyone out there doubting their own post partum recovery.—
Emily Trainham,
Fox News,
29 Dec. 2024
-
Injuries have hampered his career a bit, but there is no doubting his talents, especially on the offensive end.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But no one seemed all that interested in asking or talking about it Thursday, which makes this as good a time as any to revisit The Athletic’s midseason predictions for the Panthers.—
Joseph Person,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
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The key to staying relevant is to start asking questions and preparing for the future now.—
Nirmal Chhabria,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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At least 11 cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea within 15 months, the alliance heavily suspicious of Russian influence.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
-
The incident is being investigated by the San Diego County Sheriff’s homicide unit because authorities found the nature of the death to be suspicious, Lt. Juan Márquez said.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In addition to subjecting them to electric shocks for interrogations, guards would force prisoners to stand in uncomfortable positions and then hit them in the genitals or knock them to the ground, according to Shyshko.—
Patrick Reevell,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2025
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Some insurers now require departments to adopt early warning systems, improve interrogation protocols, or demonstrate compliance with best practices as a condition of coverage.—
Michelle Mbekeani,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Questioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/questioning. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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