INQUIRE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'inquire' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of inquire are ask , interrogate , query , and question . While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions. // began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

Q: In what contexts can 'ask' take the place of 'inquire'?

The words ask and inquire can be used in similar contexts, but ask implies no more than the putting of a question. // ask for directions

Q: When might 'interrogate' be a better fit than 'inquire'?

Although the words interrogate and inquire have much in common, interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning. // the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Q: When can 'query' be used instead of 'inquire'?

The meanings of query and inquire largely overlap; however, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation. // queried a librarian about the book

Q: Where would 'question' be a reasonable alternative to 'inquire'?

The synonyms question and inquire are sometimes interchangeable, but question usually suggests the asking of series of questions. // questioned them about every detail of the trip

inquire

verb

Definition of inquire next

as in to ask

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inquire contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of inquire are ask, interrogate, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

In what contexts can ask take the place of inquire?

The words ask and inquire can be used in similar contexts, but ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When might interrogate be a better fit than inquire?

Although the words interrogate and inquire have much in common, interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When can query be used instead of inquire?

The meanings of query and inquire largely overlap; however, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

Where would question be a reasonable alternative to inquire?

The synonyms question and inquire are sometimes interchangeable, but question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

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 inquire Small business owners inquire about service dogs, employers ask about accessibility concerns — the calls pour in five days a week to help people with disabilities live a full life. —

Lauren Chan, STAT, 19 June 2026 All the furniture in the apartment is actually for sale; inquire within to purchase. —

Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 9 June 2026 Call ahead to inquire about the off-menu tomahawk steak. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Pigeons with iridescent purple necks strut about, and ducks continuously inquire, hoping for tidbits from passersby. —

Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquire

Verb

When asked about his All-Star nod over the weekend, Joe Ryan focused on his team’s offense and the upcoming schedule instead of himself.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Darnell didn’t have an answer when asked if Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in the final game of the California Classic.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of ask

Verb

Apple examines each application and each update of every third-party app, and if these don’t meet Apple’s definition of acceptable, then they are not allowed to be installed.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
These agencies examine the water in comparison to contamination thresholds to determine if the area is swimmable.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of examine

Verb

Photos of Haaland on the tarmac posted to social media were riddled with homophobia and comments questioning the striker’s masculinity.

— Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Maps published by the Israeli government show the pilot zones encompassing the villages of Froun, Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh and Ghandouriyeh, but commentators question their value, noting Israel does not have a significant presence in those villages.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of question

Browse Nearby Words

inquietude

inquire

inquired

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Inquire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquire. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of inquire

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on inquire

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes