questioning
Asking for information
Questioning describes the act of asking questions or expressing doubt.
A questioning look or questioning tone signals skepticism or curiosity.
As a noun, questioning refers to formal inquiry: The suspect was taken in for questioning.
Someone who is questioning may be uncertain about their beliefs, identity, or sexuality—exploring rather than settled.
Opposing party questions witness
- grillingCooking on metal grates
- interviewFormal questioning session
- debriefingQuestioning following an operation
- inquisitionSustained, probing investigation
probe · testimony · witness · deposition · suspect · confession · detective · investigation
Seek facts systematically
- researchSystematic fact-finding effort
- examineStudy with attention
- probeThorough examination or tool
- analyzeStudy by breaking down
scrutinize · delve · study · assess · evaluate · review · clarify · seek
Feeling curiosity about something
- ponderingThinking deeply about something
- inquiringSeeking information actively
- interestedEager to know more
- intriguedHad curiosity aroused
eager · keen · fascinated · observant · perceptive · thoughtful · open-minded · receptive
Erotic nature and preferences
- genderSocial identity category
- queerUnusual or non-normative
- self-discoveryLearning one's true character
- coming-outPublic declaration of identity
exploration · fluidity · orientation · introspection · uncertainty · realization · awakening · LGBTQ
Relating to existence itself
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
- contemplativeInclined to deep thought
- reflectiveCasting back light
- meditativeInclined toward deep reflection
speculative · introspective · soul-searching · self-examination · Socratic · dialectic · epistemological · ontological
Rejection of truth claims
- cynicalDoubting human goodness
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- distrustfulLacking faith in others
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
mistrustful · incredulous · unconvinced · challenging · doubting · disbelieving · contrarian · dismissive
Not firmly known
- hesitantSlow to act
- unsureLacking confidence or certainty
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
ambivalent · dubious · indecisive · vacillating · unconvinced · second-guessing · wary · leery
Relating to elenctic inquiry
- instructiveServing to teach
- didacticIntended to instruct
- pedagogicalRelating to teaching methods
- tutorialInstructional step-by-step guide
guided · prompting · eliciting · thought-provoking · heuristic · classroom · seminar
cross-examination
Opposing party questions witness
- grillingCooking on metal grates
- interviewFormal questioning session
- debriefingQuestioning following an operation
inquisition · probe · testimony · witness · deposition · suspect · confession · detective · investigation · third-degree
investigate
Seek facts systematically
analyze · scrutinize · delve · study · assess · evaluate · review · clarify · seek · inquire
wondering
Feeling curiosity about something
- ponderingThinking deeply about something
- inquiringSeeking information actively
- interestedEager to know more
intrigued · eager · keen · fascinated · observant · perceptive · thoughtful · open-minded · receptive · attentive
sexuality
Erotic nature and preferences
- genderSocial identity category
- queerUnusual or non-normative
- self-discoveryLearning one's true character
coming-out · exploration · fluidity · orientation · introspection · uncertainty · realization · awakening · LGBTQ
existential
Relating to existence itself
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
- contemplativeInclined to deep thought
- reflectiveCasting back light
meditative · speculative · introspective · soul-searching · self-examination · Socratic · dialectic · epistemological · ontological · ethical
disbelief
Rejection of truth claims
- cynicalDoubting human goodness
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- distrustfulLacking faith in others
suspicious · mistrustful · incredulous · unconvinced · challenging · doubting · disbelieving · contrarian · dismissive · scoffing
uncertain
Not firmly known
wavering · ambivalent · dubious · indecisive · vacillating · unconvinced · second-guessing · wary · leery · apprehensive
Socratic
Relating to elenctic inquiry
- instructiveServing to teach
- didacticIntended to instruct
- pedagogicalRelating to teaching methods
tutorial · guided · prompting · eliciting · thought-provoking · heuristic · classroom · seminar
- teachingteaching, lesson plans, instructing, educating, courses
- literacyliteracy, reading, spelling, alphabet, writing
- childhood behaviorsgiggling, skipping, tantrums, whining, pouting
- contemplationcontemplation, meditation, reflection, pondering, musing
- inquiryinvestigation, examination, exploration, study, research
- contemplativecontemplative, introspective, reflective, pensive, meditative
questioningunquestioning
Accepting without challenge
trusting · credulous · gullible · accepting · uncritical
questioningincurious
Lacking desire to learn
indifferent · uninterested · unthinking · unreflective · uncurious
- oral questioningExamination by speech
- questioning authorityChallenging those in charge
- questioning faithUncertainty about spiritual beliefs
- police questioningLaw enforcement interview
- Socratic questioningInquiry through persistent questioning
- gender questioningExploring one's identity category