INTERROGATE Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

interrogate

verb

in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt

Definition of interrogate next

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

Synonym Chooser

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 Jorge Antonio Rodríguez died that same year after being interrogated by intelligence agents. —

Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 4 Jan. 2026 Most surprising, Helen does not interrogate Pam about John. —

Allegra Goodman, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026 This book is definitely for readers who don’t just consume stories, but interrogate them. —

Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 30 Dec. 2025 She’s used to getting asked about it, but is still interested in interrogating the outsized interest. —

Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interrogate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrogate

Verb

After completing the 10-day academy, volunteers are asked to commit a minimum of one six-hour patrol shift each week and attend a one-hour monthly meeting.

— Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
The e-commerce site asked a federal judge yesterday to block Saks’ bankruptcy financing plan, accusing the retailer of failing to hold up its agreement.

— Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026