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 State Law Enforcement Division didn't say if their investigation into any of the men is continuing.
    — MEG KINNARD, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In January, the FBI raided a Post reporter’s home, as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of mishandling sensitive national security information.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Waddhwa moved to strike a film development deal around the incident after getting unsolicited inquiries from Indian media firms.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Many of Netanyahu’s electoral rivals, including Eisenkot, have promised to immediately establish an independent commission of inquiry if elected.
    — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • If Fielder is again playing a version of himself here, Holmes seems to be offering near infinite versions of herself up for examination, like a set of unblinking reflections in a hall of funhouse mirrors.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The search and forensic examination of the property remain ongoing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • Architects have long toyed with shipping containers as objects of exploration, deploying these off-the-shelf metal structures for a wide variety of uses.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Two months of virtual-production exploration before filming also allowed Fraser and the directors to test lighting, camera movements and the scale of spacecraft interiors.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • For now, the study identifies a previously underappreciated part of the immune system that could help overcome one of SCLC’s most persistent defenses.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Clinically tested in a 16-week study, the fast-absorbing cream has stats to back up its benefits.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • Federal authorities seized Omar's phone in the search and have issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including to some of her relatives, a person briefed on the probe told the AP this week.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The council opened its probe following a month of intense debate surrounding the risks posed by advanced AI models, and is aiming to use testimony and information unearthed through the investigation to guide new regulations.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 16 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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