query 1 of 2

query

2 of 2

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

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 query
Noun
Depending on the query, the tool might need five to 30 minutes to complete the task. Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 3 Feb. 2025 Then 50 or 100 folks sit at headquarters and use a query engine and tools — sold by MicroStrategy or its competitors — to try to extract insights from these huge databases. Janet Novack, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
Members query designs for three to five hours each weekday, in a Supreme Court term that never ends. Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 Case Studies Of Successful Blockchain AI Applications One example of successful real-world integrations of blockchain and AI involves The Graph, a decentralized system that allows users to index and query blockchain data. Matvii Diadkov, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for query 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for query
Noun
  • Total theaters booked are 4,100 including all premium large format screens and Imax, no doubt.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Liev Schreiber had his doubts about his role in The Perfect Couple.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • President Donald Trump approved the state's request for an emergency disaster declaration for the historic flooding, the governor said, adding that rising rivers and snow this week remain a threat.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • However, for Browns general manager Andrew Berry and a franchise at a quarterback crossroads, two things take precedence, both in the building and in external headlines: Myles Garrett’s trade request and the team’s ongoing quarterback search.
    Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Members of Elon Musk’s team reportedly have accessed sensitive department data, and some members of Congress went to department headquarters to question the team but were denied access.
    Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has put out guidance on how school officials should respond should immigration agents attempt to question or remove students.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But there are obvious questions — not asked during the portion of this interview that aired today — of Musk’s conflict of interest as a government contractor and Trump’s appointment of him to lead DOGE.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2025
  • After arriving in Islamabad in March 2023, Khalid, who also asked to be identified by first name only, completed the security clearance, medical tests, and interviews over the next year.
    Munir Ahmed, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Fadden, however, was apprehended and brought to Hutchinson where he was interrogated and confessed.
    Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • James and other Black characters code switch when white characters are present; on his own, James interrogates philosophers like Voltaire for his repugnant views on slavery.
    Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In the White House now is someone who has openly admired Putin, expressed skepticism over U.S. support for Ukraine and rushed to bully America’s closest allies in Latin America, Canada and Europe.
    Ronald H. Linden, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Most economists express skepticism that a higher tariff regime would lead to such a boom, saying most costs would trickle down to American consumers.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Spokespeople for the Kansas City offices of ICE and HSI have not returned multiple inquiries from Star reporters asking whether agents had a warrant to enter private areas of El Potro or warrants authorizing the arrests of any specific individuals.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The audit findings were handed over to the Alaska State Troopers, spurring an FBI investigation that included interviews with commercial fishermen and several investors but ultimately no charges, according to investors familiar with the inquiry.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In a speech at the Paris AI Action Summit, Vance challenged Europe's regulatory stance on artificial intelligence and content moderation on Big Tech platforms, highlighting a growing divide between the United States, its allies and China on AI governance.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Amazon has challenged the constitutionality of the NLRB itself in a September federal lawsuit.
    Greg Bensinger, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near query

Cite this Entry

“Query.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/query. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on query

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!