What does "questioning" mean?
The action of asking questions; a survey; an inquiry.
Questioning
/ˈkwɛs.t͡ʃə.nɪŋ/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The action of asking questions; a survey; an inquiry.
- Grammar: questioning is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: academic dissent, agnostic, answering, asking.
- Useful contrasts: affirm, answer, blind acceptance.
- Usage evidence: The police have hauled in a suspect for questioning.
How to use "questioning"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "questioning" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "questioning" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "questioning" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "questioning" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "questioning" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "academic dissent" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "questioning", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The action of asking questions; a survey; an inquiry. countable, uncountable
"I didn’t know much about medical supplies, so I took the list Docc handed me without much questioning."
- 2 a request for information wordnet
- 3 The act of challenging, wondering, and doubting. countable, uncountable
- 4 Interrogation. countable, uncountable
"The official Central News agency said a Nationalist patrol boat Dec. 28 captured six Communist spies disguised as fishermen as they approached within 1,000 yards of the Paichuan in a motorized fishing craft. They were taken to Matsu for questioning."
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of question form-of, gerund, participle, present
Adjective
- 1 Characterized by questions, inquisitiveness, doubt, or wonder; quizzical. not-comparable, usually
"Why do you have a questioning look? Are you puzzled about something?"
- 2 Unsure of one's sexual orientation or gender identity. not-comparable, usually
"We entertain the boy and it becomes more evident that his dad is trans and he is questioning; my coworker keeps frowning about it."
Adjective
- 1 showing curiosity wordnet
- 2 perplexed (as if being expected to know something that you do not know) wordnet
- 3 marked by or given to doubt wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The police have hauled in a suspect for questioning."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "questioning"?
Common synonyms include: academic dissent, agnostic, answering, asking, bringing into question, catechetical method.
How do you use "questioning" in a sentence?
The police have hauled in a suspect for questioning.
How do you pronounce "questioning"?
Pronounced /ˈkwɛs.t͡ʃə.nɪŋ/.
Etymology
From question + -ing (noun via Middle English questionyng).