interrogative 1 of 2

noun

Definition of interrogativenext
as in question
an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge though she phrased it as an interrogative, it was clear that the utterance was more of a command

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

interrogative

2 of 2

adjective

as in quizzical

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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 interrogative
Noun
Up to this point, the narrator’s been an interrogative, at times combative presence. — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 Owing either to marketing efforts or issues that can only be determined in a therapy session, the signature hits of the Canadian child star’s adult career have boasted choruses as interrogatives. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2017
Adjective
Hockney’s paintings and drawings, as well as his later photo collages and digital works, invariably had a playful, exploratory, interrogative relationship with perspective, light, scale, framing, rendering—the basic components of picture-making. — Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026 That single shift, from declarative to interrogative, forces the employee to do the thinking. — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026 The statues felt interrogative, like something or someone was already disappointed in me. — Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024 Her interrogative installations use collage, painting and light to create off kilter realities laced with social commentary. — Briana Miller, oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2023 These law enforcement officers had been trained in all the interrogative techniques that are utilized to elicit a confession. — Eric Fleischauer The Decatur Daily, al, 2 Dec. 2022 Other interrogative terms typically solicit specific information. — Seyward Darby, Longreads, 17 Aug. 2022 Here are nine animating, searching, and interrogative titles with which to start. — Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 26 June 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrogative
  1. question
  2. quizzical
  3. inquisitorial
  4. intrusive
Noun
  • As Kevin Warsh thinks more hawkishly than expected in Washington, the answers to many of his questions may be in Seoul.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Although not quite as polished on the racial politics front, Lanterns’s third episode is no less intriguing, as an hour of television dedicated not only to answering pressing questions but fleshing out its lead character in disturbing ways.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of question
Adjective
  • Long missing an eyebrow, the plushie looked forever quizzical.
    — Danielle Paquette, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2026
  • To its left, sausages revolved on chrome rollers; to its right, a human attendant in a brightly colored uniform looked patient and quizzical.
    — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of quizzical
Adjective
  • Still, the most potent answer to the inquisitorial impulses emanating from Prussian Königsberg came from the French philosopher Benjamin Constant.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Drawing on inquisitorial records, Ginzburg showed how power and resistance are embedded in the same documents, using small-scale cases to illuminate broader tensions between elite and popular culture, and between authority and dissent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 June 2026
Definition of inquisitorial
Adjective
  • The flight attendant was attentive without being intrusive, handling meal service and smaller requests in an efficient but friendly manner that made the overnight crossing feel personalized rather than just riding in a comfortable space.
    — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Medvedev, 30, is having the kind of season that might drive a player toward intrusive, existential thoughts — even before considering the fact that he is predisposed to them like few sports stars are.
    — James Hansen, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of intrusive

Browse Nearby Words

interrogations
interrogative
interrogatives
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Cite this Entry

“Interrogative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interrogative. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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