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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
4

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Fifteen minutes prior, in a larger room packed with reporters, cameras and microphones looking for sound bites, Splitter fielded questions and did his best to give non-descript answers before his Blazers routed the Warriors 139-119. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025 Still, the closest Safe Haven Baby Box — where mothers unable to care for their newborns can safely drop them off, no questions asked — is in Savannah, Missouri, about an hour away. Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
The bailout package has been heavily questioned in the United States and in Argentina, which still owes $56 billion to the International Monetary Fund, as has the viability of Milei's economic reforms. NPR, 27 Oct. 2025 However, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski recently questioned whether Harper could return to being an elite-level player. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for question
Recent Examples of Synonyms for question
Noun
  • The viral post, which received more than 3,000 upvotes on Reddit, is filled with dozens of comments of fellow travelers chiming in with their own tips and tricks using personal experiences solving delay problems.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025
  • DeSantis has urged lawmakers in Tallahassee to come up with a plan to ease the burden on Florida homeowners, but has expressed frustration with their approach to the problem.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The details of the cases were not proactively made public beyond being made available for review for anyone who files a request under the state's public records law.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The offices of Ford and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The federal agency’s power to green-light sports betting nationwide is the subject of legal objections from states and tribal groups.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Few beside farmers voice objections.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Judging by his big grin, though, the best topic was saved till last when asked to describe Estevao’s display.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The same Philadelphia that witnessed the birth of American independence also nurtured competing visions of nationhood—ones that challenged the very foundations of who could claim full citizenship in the republic.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • With no presumptive nominee or clear party leader after the 2024 presidential election loss, the Democratic field remains widely contested—a scenario that could reshape the party’s electoral strategy, policy direction and prospects for challenging Republican front-runners in upcoming races.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If the White House must be remade, let there be a plan; let it be debated; let the financing be transparent and free of kickbacks and corruption.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Cleveland Browns drafted two rookie quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft, a move that was highly debated at the time and a storyline that hasn't gone away since.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the end, due to jurors doubting Natale's testimony, Merlino was acquitted of the murder charges.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Experts also doubt that even substantial imports from Argentina would be able to address domestic supply issues or meaningfully lower record-high beef prices.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When asked whether the store will be back next year, Simonson said the company will evaluate changes to the property as needed.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • During his first Zoom consultation with clients, Perri always asked them to share their story.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Question.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/question. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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