inquisition

noun

ˌin-kwə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce inquisition (audio)
Definition of inquisitionnext
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something there's no need to conduct an inquisition about so trivial a matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 inquisition Tuttle’s fearless inquisition won’t insult your intelligence, ask your mercy or hogtie your feelings. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026 In any event, Levinson still believes that this inquisition undermined the larger point being made about institutional abuse. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2026 Conservative influencers are pushing for a return to the dark days of 1950s inquisitions. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026 With that and a few more inquisitions from Farley, Webster opened up about his life story, starting with living in his van for two years. — Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquisition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquisition
  1. investigation
  2. inquiry
  3. examination
  4. exploration
  5. study
  6. probe
  7. probing
Noun
  • The incident was reported Tuesday, off the Omani coast, the UKMTO said, which added that the resulting fire had been extinguished, all crew members were reported safe, and an investigation was underway.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Jeff Pope is penning a drama about the investigation into Everard’s 2021 murder for the BBC.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Clarke’s legacy, of a philosophical cinema that turns form into inquiry, critique, and protest, is also a cinema of paradox.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
  • An official inquiry into the intelligence that led to the decision was later established.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Swelling and spinal shock can cloud the earliest neurological picture, and physicians repeat examinations over time for good reason, as many people once given a grave prognosis go on to recover.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Brown is scheduled to travel with the major-league team back to Chicago after Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks for further examination.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • Nova currently has an exploration and mining project called Estelle in Alaska, which contains something called stibnite (Sb₂S₃), an important antimony-bearing ore.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Schmitt noted that his mission — Apollo’s last moonshot — was the most productive lunar exploration yet.
    — Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • But Andrew DiCapua, the chamber’s principal economist and the study’s author, maintains that the results still apply today.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Cohere this week released an IDC study of executives in four countries, which shows that most believe that AI sovereignty is important, but few can define it or have a firm plan for achieving it.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • The probe follows the US announcement last week of a fresh sanctions campaign against Iran.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to the early license renewal proceeding, the FCC has an ongoing probe into ABC related to the agency’s equal time rules.
    — BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of probe
Noun
  • There was Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, accepting an award for his relentless probing of the White House.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026
  • But neither of them seemed eager to undergo much emotional probing.
    — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of probing

Browse Nearby Words

inquiry
inquisition
inquisitional
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Cite this Entry

“Inquisition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquisition. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inquisition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inquisition

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