There are many synonyms for the phrase "putting the question". Some of the most common ones include "asking", "inquiring", "questioning", "probing", "interrogating", "querying", "posing", and "challenging". Each of these words denotes a slightly different tone or degree of intensity, but all are used to convey the idea of asking a question or seeking information. Depending on the context, some synonyms may be more appropriate than others. For example, "inquiring" is a more formal and polite way of asking a question, whereas "challenging" implies a more confrontational approach. Regardless of the synonym used, the goal is always the same: to elicit an answer or gain insight into a topic.