INTERROGATE Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'interrogate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interrogate are ask , inquire , query , and question . While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning. // the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Q: When could 'ask' be used to replace 'interrogate'?

The words ask and interrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ask implies no more than the putting of a question. // ask for directions

Q: When is 'inquire' a more appropriate choice than 'interrogate'?

The synonyms inquire and interrogate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 might 'query' be a better fit than 'interrogate'?

Although the words query and interrogate have much in common, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation. // queried a librarian about the book

Q: When can 'question' be used instead of 'interrogate'?

The words question and interrogate can be used in similar contexts, but question usually suggests the asking of series of questions. // questioned them about every detail of the trip

interrogate

verb

in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt

Definition of interrogate

as in to ask

to put a question or questions to interrogated him about where he'd gone the night before

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to examine

to put a series of questions to police interrogated the murder suspect for hours on end

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb interrogate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of interrogate are ask, inquire, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When could ask be used to replace interrogate?

The words ask and interrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When is inquire a more appropriate choice than interrogate?

The synonyms inquire and interrogate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 might query be a better fit than interrogate?

Although the words query and interrogate have much in common, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When can question be used instead of interrogate?

The words question and interrogate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 interrogate She was interrogated and warned that a second offense meant prison. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026 Maybe that’s the point — the film seeks to interrogate Mark’s narcissism — but every interaction feels like it’s been flattened into a series of predictable accusations instead of something that might provoke surprise or reflection. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026 It was framed around these trials that were interrogating Founding Fathers, religious belief[s], and stuff like this. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026 In present day, back on the planet decimated by the Manhunters, John interrogates Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen) and learns that Noah freed the villain from prison. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interrogate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrogate

Verb

The person asked a mutual contact to warn Rosman, according to three people familiar with that exchange.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Attendees asked engineers to provide preliminary cost estimates for street lighting running from the stadium connection north to Swepco Road.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ask

Verb

Chinese researchers have examined Russia’s use of reconnaissance drones to locate targets and direct strikes.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Investigators examined allegations involving more than 300 victims spanning from 1950 through 2011.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of examine

Verb

Prosecutors said the 33-year-old suspect, a German citizen who has ties to the Berchtesgaden area but doesn't currently live there, was questioned.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
A number of protesters were also taken in for questioning and not allowed to join planned marches, according to local media.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

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interring

interrogate

interrogated

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Style

“Interrogate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interrogate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of interrogate

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